A police watchdog body is investigating after a metered taxi driver was killed in a shootout between Flying Squad officers and suspected hijackers in Goodwood last week.
One of the suspects was also killed in the shootout that also left seven people, including a child, seriously injured.
The taxi driver has been identified as Camir Nkurunziza by the Rwandan high commissioner to South Africa, Vincent Karega.
It’s believed three men hijacked Mr Nkurunziza in Bellville on Thursday and forced him into the back seat.
Goodwood police spokesman Captain Waynne Theunis said members of the Flying Squad officers had pursued the Toyota Etios after seeing it speeding on the N1 around 5pm on Thursday May 30.
According to Bellville police spokesman, Captain Jonathan Blankenberg, the vehicle ignored several red traffic lights and later collided with other vehicles on the corner of Hugo Street and Milton Road in Goodwood.
Police say one of the alleged hijackers was shot when he approached an officer with a knife.
The 30-year-old taxi driver’s body was found on the back seat of his car.
He was allegedly shot during the shoot-out with police.
An unlicensed firearm was recovered and two suspects aged 28 and 41 were arrested and appeared in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating.
Ipid spokesman, Moses Dlamini, told the Cape Times it was alleged that one of the suspects had tried to stab a police officer who had been approaching the vehicle.
“There were eight shots fired by the police member into the hijacked vehicle and two people died,” Mr Dlamini said.