Some tavern patrons in Kinross, Mpumalanga, went on a rampage and attacked two police officers for shutting down the tavern in the early hours of yesterday.

The two officers were on patrol in Ext 25 when they saw a tavern that was still open. Most tavern licences in Mpumalanga prohibit them from operating beyond midnight.

“They entered the establishment and spoke to the owner who co-operated well with them,” says provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.

“As the owner was busy closing the business and asking patrons to leave, the officers were informed that a man was vandalising their van outside.”

Mdhluli says that when the two cops went to apprehend the suspect, a scuffle broke out and the man attempted to grab one of the officers’ firearms. A group of other patrons joined in and attempted to disarm the SAPS members.

The policemen managed to prevent them from obtaining their firearms and called for backup. “During the scuffle, a firearm was discharged. One civilian was reportedly shot in the leg,” adds Mdhluli.

He says no injuries were reported among the police members involved in the incident. “The van’s windscreen and some body panels were damaged, and the tyres were slashed,” explains Mdhluli.

The circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate is conducting its own investigation regarding the shooting incident.

No arrests have been made thus far.

The acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed concern over the patrons’ hostility and unruly behaviour.

He says this incident came just a week after another police van was damaged in Thulamahashe under the Mhala policing precinct, affecting service delivery to that community.

“Major General Mkhwanazi urged the public to guard against anyone attempting to damage state resources, as they are vital for delivering services to the communities,” adds Mdhluli.