Community divided after shooting
Another version of events transpires and shows a divided community taking to social media.
Florida Residents and readers are divided over the incident on 19 March where it was alleged that a senior police officer drew his gun and fired shots at a father and his family.
In the alternative version of the events, those who came to the fore allege the following:
That the policeman never pushed the young man off his motorcycle but that he merely pulled them over since the driver was lifting a second person without a helmet
That the youngsters involved are known as troublemakers in the neighbourhood
That the shots fired were legitimate warning shots because the policeman felt threatened by the number of vehicles and people that arrived to confront him
That one of the minors had a weapon of sorts with which he threatened the policeman
That it was not the first time that the youngsters were seen around the address where the incident took place
That regardless of the fact that the shooter was not arrested, the police did a thorough investigation of the scene and did take statements
The Record was told by the spokesperson for Florida SAPS, Captain Lydia Dikholomela, that the docket has been moved to the Roodepoort Police Station and that she would not be allowed to comment on the incident since it involved a fellow police officer. She did indicate though that she would refer the Record’s enquiries to the Provincial spokesperson.
Members of the Florida CPF, who have more information, also refused to speak to the Record owing to the fact that it involved a police officer.
One source who was an eyewitness to the event had the following to say on condition of anonymity.
“The dog charged at them when they approached the vehicle, resulting in their fleeing the scene. No horns were blown. This is a second time they were there as the police vehicle had been broken into a week before. Also then the dog chased the motorbike. That time they were able to get away but there are witnesses that can attest to this.
“On the date of this incident the cop was threatened and intimidated by cars approaching him from different angles and people jumping out in a very aggressive manner. A man in the middle approached him and during their conversation even more people started approaching him (the police officer). One had a weapon in his hand (expandable steel baton) and that is why the policeman fired two warning shots to the ground; but he never pointed the firearm at anyone at any time. (The Record’s video clip also would show this.) He continuously held the firearm in a downward position with both hands and only pointed with his hand when needed to show the people to back off. (This scene does not appear on the Record’s video.) Only two warning shots to the ground were fired and the crowd backed off the spots where the shots hit the ground were photographed by the police photographers,” says the source.
“No children were shot at, at all, and none of the men around him (the policeman) looked like children. Even the son who was wearing a blue T-shirt did not look or act like a child as he had the steel weapon in his hands. A at one stage he was held back by the police as later he still wanted to attack the policeman.
“Police vehicles arrived, as they were called out on numerous occasions because the so-called victims continuously came to the house before, intimidating and shouting at the policeman to follow them to their area. The residence’ alarm also was activated prior to that but the attackers fled because of the sound of the alarm. The security company arrived prior to the shooting incident because the group was very vocal and shouted serious threats towards the house, continuously circling the residence,” the source told the Record.
After the publication of the article on the Record’s website, members of the community’s comments clearly showed that they were divided over the incident.
Trigger happy top cop allegedly shoots at minors — 20 March
A family, who needs to remain anonymous owing to the fact that minors are involved, alleges that a top-ranking policeman shot at them during an argument.
One of the sons took his brother’s motorcycle to a petrol station only to find it closed. When he left, a dog chased after him and he reacted by shouting and blowing his horn at the dog.
The policeman who is the owner of the dog, gave chase and after a second attempt managed to drive him off his motorcycle.
Afterwards the policeman stripped the motorcycle of certain parts and took the keys.
When the father, two sons and some friends went to the man to confront him about the afternoon’s incidents, he allegedly first shot at the father and then at the two youngsters who wanted to take video footage of the incident.
In a bizarre twist, a Florida police vehicle and another senior police officer arrived but the alleged shooter was not arrested.
Various cases ranging from malicious damage to property to nine cases of attempted murder have been opened.
The Record is in possession of these case numbers, video material and photos.
For a blow-by-blow account of what exactly happened, read next week’s Record.
He needs 2 be arrested cuz wen da 1 starts all of da police ar gona think its ryt dan every1 is gona started doing it
It does not matter if he is the president attempted murder is attempted murder irrespective. The minute you draw a gun. Arrest the idiot. Rank does not mean one can get away with murder. Is our kid no longer safe even from the police that our taxes pay to keep them safe. Come people please come forward if you have witnessed this assault on this family, remember tomorrow he will do it to you and your family.
Last year I almost lost my brother cause of trigger happy cops. Right in Discovery, I got a story to tell, and we need to be aware of the cops in Florida.
what a asshole that cop must get locked up,
I actually have nothing to say! That minors are my family! And the anger that has me when i heAr about this! He needs to be arrested#nuffsaid! They just pathetic!!!!!!
Typical of this corrupt government hiring people without credintials, hiring criminals and psychopaths! Thatks what we should expect from an inefficient police force! Remember Marikana? Most of the cops there were not trained in crowd control and some of them can’t even shoot properly!no negotiating or problem solving skills all that they doing is pulling the trigger
Pleople stop to think for one minute every story has three sides my side your side and the truth. And no cop will just shoot for no reason. I am on the side of the cops. We always judges but what about the cops that gave there lives to keep criminals at bay or help us be safe.
Well b***** you have a very appropriate name _ and that’s just your opinion _ you complaining about being judgemental _ but by u taking sides in the 1st place , is being judgemental_
Wow I cannot believe what is happening in this country! WTF draws a gun for kids?
There is a lot more to this story than meets the eye… These were not kids, they are very arrogant and violent individuals, I was on the scene and I can guarantee you they were far from nice people… They returned to this man’s home numerous times within a period of 2 hours and threatened to kill his family, if they had a case why did they not go to SAPS? Why did they not open a case? They returned to this mans house, they threatened him, he was alone? He was under threat… Regarding these cildren going to get petrol? They closed this garage 3 years ago? Everyone knows that? Riaan please check your facts! Do you even know this garage or the history of these youngsters?
RESPONSIBLEJOURNALISM PLEASE!!!! Get both sides of the story. These boys are troublemakers in the area, and the policeman has the right to fire warning shots. The garage the garage the boys say they were going to has been closed for three years.These boys should be investigated further. Perhaps their foulmouthed father should too!And their arrogant sister
Clearly you are bias in your comments. You have not even read the story. This kid when to the garage thinking it was operational. He was attacked by a dog. Then driven off his bike by the policeman. He was then assaulted. Obviously his father would be angry and would approach the cop. Then cop obviously is a coward that needed to use a gun when the father approached him because he can on fight with a teenager. And you idiot, the article says cases were opened. The issue with situation was the the cop was not arrested because he is being protected by his buddies. Any one else would have been in the police van on arrival.
Cop?? Vs minors?? Adult vs minors?? Facts are facts,what adult __what cop is so weak and so low to brutally assault minors then threaten to shoot them if they tried defending themselves??you people whom was on the scene should have seen n noticed the cameras. going,cameras don’t lie,and about them being troublemakers in the area-prove it?? Maby?? Oh and if his such a top cop? Y not arrest the kids instead of doing what you’ve done?? That’s if they did do anything wrong at all
U’d actually feel sorry for this cops wife–who knows? Considering this,we might have another oscar pistorious case on our hands
I have 5 videos on my phone… the bullet shells were taken from us and the cops wanted to take my cellphone as well… why? The youngster that was bumped off his bike clearly did not know the garage was closed.. the cop stated that he has footage of the youngster breaking into his car… when we asked for the footage the cop thn said there is no footage but the garage security seen it all… the parent than asked for the security to ask hin what was seen and guess what? There is no security!!! Why would a kid with no petrol in his bike want to break into a car??? Hw on earth would he get away without getting stuck on the way…. he used the last little he had in his bike to try and get home…. but thn was bumped off his bike along the way…. i have this cop contridicting himself on camera!!! The kids father got out of his vehicle to take the cops hand after bumping his kid off a motorcycle ???? That’s humility …. the cop than shoots at these peoples feet??? Warning shots are suppose to be in the air! Those bullets could have shot back up and killed someone …. dnt cover for the stupidity of a bad cop!!!!
CPF Member obviously you are the stupid asshole or the cop.so go kiss ur asshole or maybe you already did and thats why there is so much kak coming out of your mouth.
and Truth get your fucken facts straight is warning shots shooting directly at the kids?what if the bullets bounced of the ground and hit one of them? can you and CPF only be the cop and his MAD wife.
Extremely shocking!!!
This guy just needs a red bandanna and a hunting knife.
So in my observation :
If you feel that your pet poodle is in mortal danger by getting run over by a 150cc motorbike … Chase the driver , bump him off it with your vehicle… assualt him and threaten him with a loaded weapon and shoot at anyone trying to intervene.
Great example for a “top ranking officer ”
This guy watches too many movies . Rambo 2014 oscar nominee.
This is why our country will never come right, some people-cops think they can do as they want. And we all know nothing will be done about him, simple answer, look at our dishonest president. So this policeman will do what and how he likes, Zuma gave them the shot to kill order long ago. Shame on you for attacking unarmed children.
At the person who wrote:
“I have 5 videos on my phone…
Warning shots are suppose to be in the air! …
at 11:12 on
21 March 2014”
I think you need to reevaluate your statement, because warnings shots in the air, uhm oh I guess the bullet will leave earths atmosphere and hit a satellite and/or orbit in space forever, or hit and possibly kill an alien, making him guilty of violation of galaxy law #798-652 … huh?
There has been a couple of recorded cases of people killed because of warning shots fired into the air (even some with bullets having passed over the shooting range), basic physics: what goes up, must come down, the issue is that the bullet still comes down at speeds capable to kill a person.
You clearly don’t know what the law states about discharging your weapon in a public area!
This story was followed by the CPF for the full two hours as we attempted to co-ordinate a search for these individuals who were running riot in the area… Don’t always assume the cops are wrong. As I said there is a lot more to this story… There is a 24/7 G4S guard at this petrol station, why he was not there on this day I do not know? Did the children pay him off? We have also looked into the background of some of these children and lets just say it is far from charming, they are known trouble makers… They really thought that garage was operational? Then please take them for an eye test… With tree branches lying across the exit? All the petrol tank covers stolen and the pumps slowly being stolen piece by piece? Don’t forget the rather large weeds?
Riaan, your journalism in this article leaves much to be desired. I suggest that you interview eyewitnesses before you write an article. We hope that your follow up article will be more accurate.
@ CPF member. I cant say who I am due to being afraid of being victimised but I witnessed the entire event from across the road at the tennis court. You are clearly the cop or the wife of the cop. Firstly the kid was alone at the garage. I followed the cop and saw how he bumped the kid off his motor bike and beat him up. His friend tried to block you from further assault and you beat him up too. you then let them go and returned later and bumped him again and stared beating them up again. this time you pointed your firearm at them. Passer-by’s arrived and you left. Back at the garage the father approached you and you shook his hand and immediately pulled out your firearm and shot 5 times at them. This was as they videoed you.
How are we suppose feel ssafe if the people protecting us is the ones shooting us
@witness Your statement is laughable from a objective point of view.”I witnessed the entire event from across the road at the tennis court” and then with your super powers all of a sudden “I followed the cop and saw how he bumped the kid of his motor bike and beat him up……” and then……”Back at the garage….” You have pretty awesome superpowers though, respect.
If nothing is done… i suggest residents take the law into their own hands! The kid was in school uniform on a motorbike… whr will he hide the stolen goods??? Especially the wheels??? The cop stated he had footage of them stealing it? Thn said the security seen it???? Thn theres soma no security??? Justice will be served oneveay or another WATCH!!!! HIS A CRAZY FUCK NUT THT SHOULD BE PUT AWAY EITHER BEHIND BARS OR 6 FUCKING FEET UNDER!!!! AND FOR THE SMART ASSHOLE THAT SAID WHAT GOES UP MUST CUM DWN??? WAT BOUT THE SPEED OF THE BULLET GOING DOWN… MUST CUM BK UP U FUCK NUT
What the cop did…
Took the bikes keys~ theft
Shot at people~ attempted murder
Beat the kids up~ assault
Said they stole things … found nothing on them ~ deformation of character
Pulled the bikes spark plugs out ~ damage to property…
False accusations…
Disgusting … wanna bring backgrounds up??? When you hardly know these kids… it’s clear he did not know the garage was closed and went to the closest one to fill gas… if that was your kid how would you react??? I’d kill him if I were the father in all honesty… but he didn’t he approached him with humility … an if they were guilty would they go this far as to exposing the situation???? Hope that cop can back his story up… #nuffsaid ….
I am in no way the cop, I am not even related to him and do not know him, he does not work at Florida Police Station… My identity must also remain secret for a number of reasons… @ Witness, I know what I saw on scene and I know what our patrollers and various security teams saw in the two hours leading up to this… There is a lot you did not see. These are good for nothing rebels that do nothing for the area… They are not kids but monsters, we see how they run riot in the suburb… There are some things you will not understand until you have spent a day chasing people like this, we try our best with SAPS to maintain law and order so people like you can play tennis in peace… Please go back to playing tennis and let us get on with sorting these rebels out…
Dear CPF member, I am disappointed at the way you view the sequence of evens. Please let me clarify some facts for you. Firstly understand that I am unable to comment on the details of the events as there is a criminal investigation in progress. However your statement that my kids are running riot in the area is unfounded and is wanting me to pursue a deformation suit against you. If you did any investigation into their back ground at all you would have noted that they are members of I.C.E (a Neighbourhood watch) who spend most of their evenings and week ends volunteering their free time protecting our community. If you were looking for us for two hours you should have tried the local police station first. Like I said earlier I am unable to comment on more of your mis informed comments. But you are welcome to contact me through the Roodeport record if you would like to discuss this matter further. I sincerely hope you do and maybe change your mind about the negative comments you have been advertising.
GO KISS YOU ARSE,YOU DO NOT KNOW ANY OF THE KIDS WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU CALLING MONSTERS MAYBE YOU A FUCKEN MONSTER YOU BLADY UGLY FACE SEES NOTHING> THANK YOU ARSE HOLE
There are two elderly ladies that reside at the complex next to the garage that seen everything as well and that are willing to testify against this… the follow up to this story is utter bullcrap… so did these minora beat themselves up??? Gbh forms to prove that the cop beat them up… if he pulled them over in such a humble manner where are the keys to the motorcycle??? The weapons was taken out of the young mans car… not from his hand…. if he attacked the cop thn hw did it get back into the vehicle so fast? Its a steel weapon not a boomerang…
His car was searched without permission and the weapon was taken…. i suggest a lie detector test should be taken…. both sides that is…. but we’re waiting patiently for it to go to court…. Riaan has one video…. we have the other 5 ….. hope you all have a wonderful day….
I have had more than one bad encounter with corrupt cops. They are not public servants but a menace to society and I am yet to meet a honest and just cop be it saps or metro. It is so bad that I feel nothing when I hear or read that a cop was murdered
Fuck everybody with your stupid comments saying that the kids r trouble makers they are not even 4rm this fucking area Riaan you just a white poes man… And so is that fucken boer cop …. You’s will wait 4the court case n I swear 2God even if I must get locked up 4these 2boys I will fuck use both up regardless on this issue poese!!!
In this country you are allowed to commit crimes if you have money, if you are a police officer or if you work for the government. that is why the death penalty was thrown out. sorry guys, I’ve seen the videos, nothing will happen to this man because he is the law they can do as they please. all respect to those who actually follow our countries laws and are good examples eg Wendy Hendrikse.