A routine crime prevention operation turned ugly for security firm officer Nico Mans when he was stabbed in the face in Waterkloof Ridge on Friday.
This happened during an evening operation held by the SAPS, CSI private security firm personnel and the local community police forum.
Law enforcement officials approached six men who were drinking in an open field following a tip-off about possible drug use in the area.
One of the men confronted Mans with a broken beer bottle and a scuffle ensued. After some pushing and shoving, Mans fired a warning shot which his assailant ignored.
“I tried to remain calm during the entire ordeal so I would not endanger anyone around us,” said Mans.
“He kept coming and stabbed me in the face, which is when I shot him in the upper arm.”
Emergency services were contacted and Mans was treated on the scene, receiving nine stitches below his eye.
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His 27-year-old attacker was arrested for attempted murder and is currently in hospital under police guard.
Mans was not discouraged by the attack, but was grateful he did not sustain an injury to his eye.
The tactical response officer and operations manager was commended for his bravery by CSI co-owner Dana Bloem.
“We are proud of him for putting his life in danger during the operation, and we thank him for his diligence and selfless service,” said Bloem.
There will be weekly operations and increased visibility over the festive season, said Bloem.
“CSI had procured extra vehicles to assist with police patrolling this December,” he said.
“We also installed 40 surveillance cameras in various locations which has yielded plenty of arrests so far.”
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