eMBALENHLE – A 15-year-old-girl sustained a bullet wound during a fight between angry residents in Extension 14 on Sunday, 3 July.
This came after four teenage boys were sent to buy beer at a local tavern.
It is alleged that on their way back, they came across an unknown man who stopped them and demanded the beer.
The boys refused to give him the beer, whereupon the man took out a knife and stabbed them.
The police said while he was stabbing the boys, their father approached the scene and was also stabbed.
The police said all hell broke loose when the community noticed what was happening and attacked the suspect.
Capt Bettinah Zondo, police spokesman, said the man was assaulted and that during that time, the police also appeared on the scene.
“They tried to protect the suspect from being assaulted by the community.
“Residents fought the police who were outnumbered and shots were fired.
“A wayward bullet unfortunately hit a 15-year-old girl in the hip.
“She was taken to the Evander Hospital.”
The teenage boys and their father were taken to the local clinic where one of the boys died.
Another one was taken to Evander Hospital, but also succumbed to his injuries.
The other two boys, their father and the girl are fighting for their lives in the Evander Hospital.
Police said the suspect was also admitted to the Evander Hospital.
Some of the officers were also assaulted and a state vehicle was damaged.
Nobody has been arrested yet and the police are investigating murder, attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
Capt Zondo asked that residents do not take the law into their own hands.
“When you apprehend a suspect, contact the police or take the suspect to the police station.
“We condemn assault on police officers when they are on a scene, because they are there to protect the community.”
