A police shooting shocks everyone involved. If you were there, are related to someone affected, or saw it online, you need clear steps you can take right now. This guide gives plain, practical actions—how to stay safe, preserve proof, get medical care, and find legal and emotional support across Africa.
If you or someone else is injured, get to a safe spot away from the scene. Call emergency services right away. If you can’t wait for an ambulance, get the person to the nearest hospital and tell staff the nature of the wounds. Ask for written or photographed records of any treatment—those notes become key evidence.
Don’t return to the scene unless it’s safe or officials allow it. If police are still present, remain calm, show your hands, and follow clear, calm instructions. Avoid sudden moves and do not argue or resist. Your safety matters more than collecting things on site.
Write down everything you remember as soon as you can: time, location, which officers were there (badge numbers, vehicle numbers, names), what was said, and how many people were present. If you took photos or video, back them up to cloud storage or email them to a trusted contact immediately.
Ask other witnesses for their contact details and ask if they’ll share footage. Preserve clothing and items exactly as they were—don’t wash or alter them. If possible, get hospital records, police reports, and any available CCTV footage from nearby shops or traffic cameras.
Be careful posting raw footage on social media. It can help spread the story, but it can also be used in ways you didn’t expect. Share copies with a lawyer or a reputable rights organisation first if possible.
Look for trustworthy local partners: reputable journalists, human-rights NGOs, or a local bar association can help verify facts and advise next steps. For example, in South Africa the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) investigates police shootings; other countries have similar oversight bodies.
Contact a lawyer experienced in use-of-force cases. If you can’t afford one, ask local NGOs, legal aid clinics, or a national bar association for pro bono options. A lawyer can request police reports, medical records, and help file formal complaints.
Remember to protect your mental health. Witnessing violence or losing someone is traumatic. Reach out to friends, community leaders, or counsellors. Many NGOs and hospitals provide trauma support or can refer you to local mental-health services.
Finally, verify any public claims before you trust or share them. Check multiple reputable sources: local news outlets, hospital confirmations, official police statements, and independent eyewitness accounts. Misinformation spreads fast—relying on confirmed facts helps the victim and the family more than rumours.
If you need help locating legal aid or a human-rights group in your country, look for local NGOs working on police accountability or contact national journalists who have covered similar cases. Keep records safe, find support, and take one step at a time.
Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old mother, was fatally shot by former deputy Sean Grayson after reporting a suspected intruder. Grayson faces multiple charges including first-degree murder. The incident, condemned by Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, has reignited calls for police reform.