A man was apprehended by Ebony Park community members in the evening of 15 April and beaten up for allegedly trying to commit a house robbery at one of the houses in the area.
Ivory Park Police Station spokesperson, Warrant Officer Neldah Sekgobela said it is alleged that the 33-year-old suspect entered a house and found the complainant and his brother inside. The suspect demanded their cellphones while pointing a firearm at them.
Sekgobela said,”The complainant’s brother managed to grab the suspect and they fought over the firearm. The suspect then pulled the trigger and shot the victim in his upper body.”
As soon as the incident occurred, community members who had heard the gunshot arrived at the scene and beat up the suspect.
They then held him until police officers arrived on the scene and arrested the suspect for possession of an unlicenced firearm.
Sekgobela revealed that the suspect was admitted to hospital after being assaulted by community members and the victim, who was shot, is recovering well.
“We urge community members to avoid taking the law into their [own] hands and instead [to] call the police to handle criminal matters,” she added.
The suspect will soon appear in the Tembisa Magistrates’ Court after he is discharged from the hospital facing an attempted murder charge.
A case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was opened against community members who assaulted the suspect.
Details: Ivory Park Police Station 011 990 9600.
