ERMELO – The police are investigating a case of attempted murder and housebreaking as result of an incident that took place on August 29 in Paul Kruger Street, Nederland Park.

According to information provided by the Ermelo police spokesperson, Captain Carla Prinsloo, the owner of the house had heard noises outside and went to look. He allegedly discovered an intruder breaking into an outbuilding in the backyard.

The owner allegedly confronted the suspect, who stormed inside the house with a knife.

“The house owner fired a shot in the direction of the suspect and hit him on the hip. He then called police members to the scene,” Prinsloo said.

According to Theo Craven, control room operator for ACSU and district manager for the South African Community Crime Watch Gert Sibande Region, the home owner who is also an ACSU client informed ACSU about the incident and they immediately dispatched a reaction vehicle and informed Ermelo police members and dispatched an ambulance to the scene.

“Upon arrival, the reaction officer confirmed that a suspect had been shot and injured. The scene was handed over to the police for further investigation,” Craven said.

The police confiscated a knife found on the scene and the suspect was transported to Ermelo Provincial Hospital.