Police deny dragging feet in IFP murder case

22 July 2014 - 17:37 By Sapa
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SAPS vehicle. File photo.
SAPS vehicle. File photo.
Image: Reuben Goldberg

Claims that police are "dragging their feet" in a case involving the murder of an Inkatha Freedom Party councillor in Kagiso, west of Johannesburg, are unfair, Gauteng police said on Tuesday.

"We cannot drag our feet with a case such as murder. We are busy with it, trying to [follow] each and every lead we can," Warrant Officer Solomon Sibiya said.

"It is not fair, we are trying all our best."

Patrick Ngubane was one of the IFP's representatives in the Mogale City Municipality, which also covers Kagiso.

The 44-year-old was shot at Madala hostel in Kagiso after getting into an argument with another man on Saturday night.

Sibiya said the man left during the argument, but minutes later returned with a firearm in his possession.

"The argument started again between the deceased and suspect, which led to the suspect drawing a firearm and firing at the deceased."

IFP national organiser Alco Ngobese said on Tuesday he was disappointed in the police for failing to make an arrest.

"It has been three days now... the culprit is well-known in the area, but even today no arrest has been made."

Sibiya said the name of the alleged shooter was known to the police, but his whereabouts were not.

"If they know where he is then they must tell us. We know his name but he could be anywhere in the country."

A photograph of the man would be sent to the media on Wednesday, Sibiya said.

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