The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has shed light on the tragic death of 30-year-old Thapelo Modise, who died inside the Dobsonville police station in Johannesburg.
The circumstances surrounding his demise have raised serious questions and sparked controversy. Thapelo Modise, driving his Kia Pegas, was stopped by members of the Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) on Friday night.
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He was arrested on allegations of drunk driving and subsequently transported to the Dobsonville police station.
According to Ipid spokesperson Phaladi Shuping, while awaiting blood samples to be drawn, Thapelo revealed that he worked as a bodyguard for African National Congress secretary general, comrade Fikile Mbalula. He requested to speak with Colonel Moagi, a senior officer.
Tragically, moments after this conversation, Thapelo allegedly took out his firearm and shot himself. The incident occurred in front of two other suspects arrested for drunken driving, three JMPD officers, and Colonel Moagi.
Paramedics declared Thapelo dead inside the police station. The scene was meticulously processed, and a ballistic expert examined the evidence. The gunshot wound was at the back of Thapelo’s head.
However, Thapelo’s grieving mother, Susan, disputes the official account. She believes her son was murdered. Susan described a gruesome scene: “His brains were on the floor, while his body sat on a chair inside the police station.”
She pointed out that Thapelo’s body showed signs of bruising and swelling, inconsistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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Susan emphasized that Thapelo was proficient in using firearms. If he had intended suicide, she argues, he would have chosen a different target. Instead, he was found seated after the fatal shot.
In an interview with broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, Susan confirmed that Thapelo worked for Brincor, a private security company based in Pretoria. Brincor often assigned him to guard Fikile Mbalula, a prominent figure within the African National Congress (ANC).
The case has raised serious concerns about police procedures and transparency. Susan’s anguish and insistence that her son was murdered underscore the urgency of a thorough investigation.
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