Constable Granted Bail After Allegedly Shooting Soweto Man Watching TV

Constable Tau Ledwaba, accused of fatally shooting a 35-year-old man in Protea Glen, Soweto, has been released on R5,000 bail following his appearance at the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

Incident Details

According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), the tragic incident occurred on December 26, 2024. Ledwaba, reportedly in full police uniform, used his service pistol to shoot the victim after calling him outside while the man was watching TV with his brother.

Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping provided further details:

• The accused fled the scene in a silver Toyota Etios after the shooting.
• The victim, found with a gunshot wound to the chest, was declared dead on the scene.
• A bullet and cartridge were recovered at the crime scene.

Suping also revealed that the constable, stationed at the Railway Protection and Security Services at Park Station, Johannesburg, failed to report for his night shift on the day of the incident.

Ipid has taken over the investigation, and a murder case has been opened.

Related Incident in Eldorado Park

In a separate case, 42-year-old Sergeant Mandla Buthelezi, stationed at Eldorado Park Police Station, appeared in court for the alleged murder of his 22-year-old girlfriend, Chesnay Patricia Keppler. The incident occurred on the same day, December 26, 2024.

Keppler, a member of the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens (amaPanyaza), was allegedly shot during a domestic dispute. Buthelezi, who also turned the gun on himself, was discharged from the hospital and is now in police custody.

Eldorado Park Station Commander Brigadier Mkhacani Maluleke stated that the sergeant, under the influence of alcohol, arrived at Keppler’s home in the company of another constable. The case has been postponed to February 26, 2025.

Growing Concerns Over Police Conduct

These incidents have reignited debates about police accountability and firearm regulation in South Africa. Advocacy groups and citizens alike have called for stricter oversight of law enforcement officers, especially concerning the use of service weapons in non-duty-related situations.

The two cases remain under investigation by Ipid, with the public anxiously awaiting justice for the victims.

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