Job-seeker attacks metro police officers with chainsaw in Edleen
The man refused to go, which led to an argument.
Two Ekurhuleni metro police officers were injured after allegedly being attacked by a job-seeker in Edleen on Wednesday morning.
The man is said to have attacked the officers with a chainsaw on the corner of Rienert Avenue and the P91 (R25) while the officers were enforcing by-laws.
“The metro police officers were removing people who often sit on corners and in open fields seeking employment,” said Sgt Johanna Madiga, spokesperson for Norkem Park SAPS.
“There have been complaints that these people contribute towards crime. Some gamble while others are not job-seekers but get involved in criminal activities such as house break-ins. The officers were there asking people to move when the incident happened.”
Madiga said when the officers arrived at the address, they told one of the men to move, but he refused to leave, which was when the altercation ensued.
“The man was warned on Tuesday to move and not return to the area, but officers were surprised to see him there again on Wednesday,” said Madiga.
“The man refused to go, which led to an argument. The suspect then reached for his chainsaw, switched it one and chased the officers with it. Although there were 10 officers only two of them were injured.
“The officers finally managed to apprehend the suspect and he was arrested and detained at Norkem Park Police Station.”
One of the officers was cut on his hand while the other was injured on his face. Both victims were transported to hospital for medical attention.
The 26-year-old foreign national was charged with attempted murder, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm and resisting arrest.
