eMbalenhle man who was shot by police now seeks justice

A 32-year-old man from eMbalenhle, Robert Hlophe, is demanding justice after he was allegedly shot by police officers while waiting for his staff transport in the early hours of July 6 in the Mandela Section.

According to Hlophe, a general worker at Evander Gold Mine, he was waiting to be picked up for work when he noticed a police van parked outside a nearby house. Moments later, he heard gunshots but did not think they were directed at him.

“One of the officers approached me carrying a large firearm and told me to walk with him to where the police van was parked. I began to feel a sharp pain in my chest. I touched it and saw my hand covered in blood. That’s when I realised I had been shot,” said Hlophe.

According to Hlophe, upon reaching the van, the officer asked a woman who was nearby if he was the person they were looking for.
The woman reportedly said: “It’s not him.”

“The officer then told me to get into the van so they could take me to the hospital. They drove me to Evander Hospital. The doctors didn’t remove the bullet but gave me medication and discharged me on July 10.”

Hlophe, the main breadwinner for his family, is now worried about his job and his future.

“I am in pain and won’t be able to return to work. I was shot for no reason. My family and I want justice. The police must be held accountable for their negligence and the reckless use of firearms,” said Hlophe.

When contacted for comment, Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Donald Mdhluli, confirmed that an attempted murder case had been opened.

“The matter is under investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), as it is alleged that police officers were involved,” said Mdhluli.

ALSO CHECK: Illegal dirt road causes fatal crash on N12, fuels renewed safety concerns

ALSO CHECK: SAPS launches e-Recruitment drive for 5 500 aspiring police officers