Constable Thabiso Ignatious Sceepers, 28, appeared in the Jacobsdal Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (18/8) on charges of kidnapping and attempted murder. The case was postponed to Thursday (20/8) for bail information, said Free State and Northern Cape NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane.

Police received information about a hostage situation in Moabi Street, Ratanang township, at about 11:45 on Sunday (16/8). Xhariep district commissioner Brig. Mohiti Sereetsi, the Bloemfontein Tactical Response Team, Crime Intelligence, hostage negotiators, and other role players were deployed to the scene.

Preliminary information indicates Sceepers, a police constable stationed in Hanover in the Northern Cape, allegedly shot a 25-year-old in her shoulder. Free State police spokesperson Lt. Col. Thabo Covane said hostage negotiators then began talks with the officer, which continued for several hours.

At about 20:25, Sceepers allegedly surrendered his service pistol and surrendered to police without further violence. Emergency medical personnel treated the injured woman before she was transported to a Kimberley hospital for further medical care, while the constable was arrested at the scene.

Free State provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Thabang Lesia commended police members and other role players for their professionalism and restraint. He described the incident as volatile and potentially life-threatening, and credited hostage negotiators and the coordinated multidisciplinary response with preventing further harm.

“This incident demonstrates the importance of professional hostage negotiation, patience, and a coordinated multidisciplinary response when dealing with volatile and potentially life-threatening situations. The successful resolution of this incident, without loss of life, is a commendable achievement.”

Sceepers will remain in custody until his next appearance on Thursday, when the court is expected to receive bail information. The proceedings will determine the next steps in the case as he faces allegations arising from the shooting and the hours-long hostage situation in Ratanang.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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