MBOMBELA – Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe has urged the police to urgently investigate and arrest all suspects that are linked to the shooting incident that involves Member of Parliament, Jackson Mthembu.

The MEC has strongly condemned the shooting of Mthembu and all other criminal incidents of this nature. He says by speedily investigate Mthembu’s case and other violent crime cases, the communities will continue to have faith in law enforcement agencies.

Mthembu was allegedly shot while using an ATM on Mandela Street in the Witbank CBD on Sunday.

It is reported that the suspect came from behind, pointing a firearm at him and instructed him to draw all the money from his bank account.

According to the reports,Mthembu turned around and unfortunately a shot went off and hit him in the cheek.

The armed man and three accomplices allegedly went to Mthembu’s car where four of Mthembu’s friends were waiting.

Mthembu and his friends were allegedly robbed of their money and cellphones. Mthembu was rushed to the Witbank Hospital, where he is in a serious but stable condition.

MEC Shongwe has also urged community members to come forward and assist police with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.

“Working together with communities, crime can be defeated. The police should not rest until the perpetrators have been brought into book,” said the MEC.

He added that it was unfortunate that the incident occured just days after the department has raided Emalahleni and surroundings during an Overall Friday Programnme.

“This shows that there is still a lot of work that is needed to reduce criminality in the area,” concluded Mthembu.