Fugitive shot dead at Mataffin
The man was wanted for shooting a police officer and escaping from police custody.
A male fugitive was shot and killed during a shootout with police on Thursday February 2 at 13:30 at Mataffin near Mbombela.
The provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said police received information about a wanted suspect who was spotted next to the MPTA offices.
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“Bheki Martin Phiri (28) was wanted for escaping from lawful custody in November 2022, as well as for a case of attempted murder in which a police sergeant (40) was shot and wounded by the suspect in December 2022,” said Mohlala.
Police received information on his whereabouts and drove to the said place. On arrival, the suspect reportedly noticed them and started firing shots at the members, who responded accordingly and defended themselves. The suspect was fatally shot.
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“A firearm, as well as live ammunition, were found next to the suspect. He was certified dead at the scene by paramedics.
“A case of murder was opened and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will conduct a further investigation,” he said.
