Police van damaged while SAPS members where serving community in Kinross
Patrons at a Kinross tavern attacked SAPS officers, attempting to disarm them and causing extensive damage to a police vehicle.
Two SAPS members came under attack by patrons at a tavern in the Kinross area around 03:45 on January 26.
Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, the acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, has strongly condemned the hostility displayed by some members of the public towards SAPS members.
The two police members were patrolling in Ext 25 when they noticed that a tavern was still open. They entered the tavern and spoke to the owner, who cooperated well with the police.
“As the owner was closing up the business and asking patrons to leave, the officers were informed that a man was damaging the police van outside. When the officers went to apprehend the suspect, a scuffle broke out, and the man attempted to grab a policeman’s firearm.
“A group of patrons then joined in and tried to rob the officers of their service firearms. However, the officers managed to prevent the group from obtaining the firearms and called for backup,” said Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, SAPS provincial spokesperson, in a statement.
According to information received, a firearm was discharged, and one civilian was reportedly shot in the leg during a scuffle.
The police members did not sustain any injuries.
“The circumstances of the incident are currently under investigation, with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) conducting its investigation into the shooting incident. So far, no arrest has been made.
“However, the uncontrollable group damaged the body of the van and windscreen and flattened the tyres.”
Major General Mkhwanazi commended the bravery and swift response of the SAPS members in bringing the situation under control.
He also expressed concern over the hostility and unruly behaviour displayed by some people towards the police as this incident comes just a week after another police vehicle was damaged in Thulamahashe under the Mhala Policing Precinct, affecting service delivery to the community.
The General urged the public to guard against anyone attempting to damage state resources, as these resources are vital for delivering services to the community.
