Policeman shot by fugitive in Mataffin
The sergeant was shot while attempting to apprehend a suspect who had escaped from custody.
A police sergeant (40) sustained wounds to his hand when police members were attacked by the suspect as they were executing their duties on Thursday, December 22 around 16:00.
The provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said that a suspect, Bheki Martin Phiri, who escaped from lawful custody on November 11 when attending court, was spotted at a tuckshop in Mataffin.
ALSO READ: Sanral safety plans in place in the Lowveld during the festive season
“Police responded swiftly and as they were about to reach the said premises, the suspect allegedly started firing shots at them. The members defended themselves by firing back and the suspect is said to have then fled the scene. It was during the shooting that the sergeant was shot he was taken to hospital for medical treatment and released the same day,” he said.
ALSO READ: Malalane SAPS prevents robbery, shoot-out ensues
Mohlala also said the suspect has not yet been arrested, however, a 72-hour activation plan has been launched in an effort to trace him.
Police urge anyone with information on his whereabouts of the suspect to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via My SAPS APP.
The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, has wished the wounded member a speedy recovery. The general further indicated that the police are working around the clock to ensure that the suspect is rearrested and encouraged the public to continue providing information about suspects or criminal activities.
