A police officer is recovering in hospital after a 30-year-old suspect opened fire on him in Masoyi on October 20.

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According to SAPS, the Bhekiswayo Trust resident had attacked his father (73) with a blunt object. Community members reportedly informed police that he damaged his father’s safe before proceeding to a local tavern with a firearm.

Suspect barricades himself inside home

“Upon arrival at the scene, police found that the suspect had returned to his parental home and had locked himself inside, refusing to open the door,” said SAPS spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo.

Masondo added that police gained entry through a window and that the suspect fired a shot at the police officer, injuring him.

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“SAPS returned fire, injuring the suspect on the lower body.”

Both the injured police officer and the suspect were taken to medical facilities for treatment, where the suspect later died. His father survived the attack.

Police open multiple cases after shoot-out

Cases of attempted murder of the father, attempted murder of the police officer, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and an inquest docket were opened for further investigation by both the SAPS and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.