Cop’s death a ‘shameful day’ for SAPS

The death of a police officer who was shot dead during an alleged armed robbery he had responded to with colleagues was described as a “shameful day” for the South African Police Service.

South African Police Union chairman Richard Mthombeni said police killings were painful.

Mthombeni was speaking at Constable Tshepo Tladi's memorial service that was held at the United Reformed Church in Katlehong on Wednesday.

Tladi‚ 35‚ died last week on Thursday during a fire exchange with alleged criminals.

It was initially believed that Tladi was killed by armed robbers but video footage that captured his last moments showed that he could have been killed by one of his colleagues.

• READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Shock video exposes cover-up of fatal cop-on-cop shootingPolice officers appeared to have lied about the circumstances surrounding the shooting and subsequent death of a colleague during a robbery at a Katlehong petrol station last Thursday. (Warning: graphic imagery not for sensitive viewers) 

"What happened was unfortunate. It is damaging to the SAPS. That day was a shameful day for SAPS‚" Mthombeni said.

Mthombeni said they were not happy with police minister Nathi Nhleko who never showed up when they were being killed.

"It is time for the political leadership to take police killings seriously. We have never seen the minister during times like these‚ when we are in pain‚ when we are crying. We are not happy with that office. Not even a word of condolences‚" he said.

• Cop’s controversial killing leaves ‘bitter taste’ among community and colleaguesThe killing of Constable Tshepo Tladi has left a bitter taste among the community of Katlehong and the South African Police Service. 

The video that went viral angered Tladi’s family and acting police commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane. The family said they were not told the truth about Tladi's murder until they saw the video. Phahlane said officers ignored basic things like calling for emergency assistance. He condemned the circulation of the video saying it was insensitive to the family.

Phalane said the video will assist in the investigations.

Among the mourners was popular charismatic pastor Prophet Mboro.

TMG Digital/Sowetan