eMbalenhle man returns to work with bullet still in body after alleged police shooting
A mineworker is back on duty but fears long-term health effects after being shot, allegedly by police, in an incident under investigation.
A 32-year-old eMbalenhle man, Robert Hlophe, has returned to his job at Evander Gold Mine after he was shot, allegedly by police officers in the early hours of July 6 in the Mandela Section.
According to Ridge Times, although grateful to be back at work, Hlophe says his health has changed drastically since the incident.
“Before I was shot, I used to walk and run without any problems. Now, after walking a long distance, I get short of breath and feel pain in my chest. I’m living with a bullet in my body, and I don’t know what will happen to my health over time,” he adds.
Hlophe, who is waiting to be paid so he can afford a medical check-up, says his family is worried about his condition but thankful that he can still provide for them.
The incident
Recalling the morning of the shooting, Hlophe says he was waiting for transport to work when he noticed a police van parked outside a nearby house.
Moments later, he heard gunshots but assumed they were unrelated. He alleges that one of the officers, carrying a large firearm, approached him and instructed him to walk to the van.
“On the way, I felt a sharp pain in my chest and realised I was bleeding,” Hlophe adds.
Upon reaching the van, the officer reportedly asked a nearby woman if he was the person they were looking for. She allegedly replied: “It’s not him.”
Case under investigation
According to Hlophe, the officers then drove him to Evander Hospital, telling him on the way that they were ‘not allowed’ to transport injured people but were ‘doing him a favour’. Doctors did not remove the bullet and discharged him on July 10 with medication.
He says a detective from eMbalenhle Police Station later contacted him to arrange a visit to the scene as part of the investigation, but he was at work at the time. He remains willing to assist police with any information they need.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli confirmed that an attempted murder case has been opened. The matter is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate as police officers were allegedly involved.
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