BOPHELONG – Andrew Mofokeng (27) a dedicated member of the community patrolling group in Extension 13, narrowly escaped serious injury when he was viciously attacked while patrolling his community.
The assailant, armed with a dangerous knife and panga, targeted Mofokeng for his unwavering commitment to maintaining safety and order in the area.
Mofokeng, who has been part of the patrolling group for nearly six months, together with nine other members of his group contributes meaningfully to a noticeable decline in criminal activities.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Mofokeng said they were conducting their regular patrol duties when a young man, apparently disgruntled by the group’s efforts, ambushed him with a deadly panga.
“A week ago, we found two young men with stolen items and took them to a police officer who stayed in our neighbourhood. On Saturday of the incident, one of the suspect’s friend bumped me alone and accused the group of assaulting the man we apprehended with the good. An argument ensured moments later, the young man took out a knife and tried to stab me,” he said.
Mofokeng said his quick reflexes and bravery allowed him to dodge the knife.
“The guy then ran to his home, which was not far from where the quarrel happened. He came back with a panga and tried to hack me with it before fleeing the scene,” he said.
Mofokeng sustained a bruised arm but managed to escape further harm, preventing what could have been a life-threatening injury.
Recovering from the ordeal, Mofokeng told the paper “I joined the patrolling group to make a difference in our community. This attack won’t deter me from continuing our mission to create a safer environment for everyone who lives here. We will stand strong and united against those who wish to disrupt the peace we’ve worked so hard to establish.”
“We informed the police moments after the incident happened and 24 hours later, I had to go to the police station to open a case. After attempting to open a case without luck, police told me to apply for a restriction order,” he said.
At the time of publishing this story, Vanderbijlpark police had not responded to the media inquiries sent to them.
