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The police officer who fired the shot that killed an Alexandra mother is set to appear in court in connection with the January 16 shooting.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) confirmed that investigations into Samantha Mathane’s killing have been finalised. Mathane, 29, was shot in the back a mere metres from her home after she got off a taxi from work.
Ipid spokesperson Ndileka Cola told Sowetan yesterday that the comprehensive report had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Mathane's husband Tino Radebe, 32, said he was pleased that investigations were completed. He said he looked forward to seeing the man behind his wife’s death facing the full might of the law.
“Ipid told us that investigations were complete. They said they have taken the matter to the DPP and would be making an arrest soon. I am hopeful that the cop who shot my wife will answer for shooting her,” he said.
“We are waiting for the outcome because the investigators told us that they took a charge sheet to court and that the court would decide what to do next,” Radebe said.
“The investigations are complete, so I don't understand why the officer has not been arrested.”
Radebe and Mathane, who have two children together, had been married for a month before her death.
He said the void left by his wife was felt profoundly by their six-year-old son. Mathane died on his first day at school in January.
“It's painful because my children are growing up without a mother. The older one frequently asks when her mother will return home. I don't have an answer for that because we will not get to see her again,” he said.
Radebe said he had run into the officer alleged to have killed his wife and that it left him feeling numb.
“It's hard but there is nothing I can do. People in my community always tell me that they still see him on the streets because he works here (in Alexandra). It makes me upset because he is still providing for his kids while my children have lost their mother,” he said.
Ntokozo Mate, who witnessed the shooting, yesterday said they were waiting for the gate to open in a passage that leads to Mathane's home when they suddenly heard shots being fired.
“I've always said they (cops) just opened fire and one of them (bullets) hit her while we were all trying to find cover,” Mate said.
National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane did not respond to questions yesterday. She would not be drawn into saying what charges the officer would be facing.
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