THE MAN who was shot dead by police officers in Malagazi on April 27 launched an assault on police and community policing forum (CPF) members with a bush knife.

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Isipingo police communications officer Constable Donald Naidoo confirmed the incident took place just after 11:00 on Postum Road, Malagazi.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that Isipingo police members were performing their duties when they received a complaint of assault on a CPF member in the area involving a bush knife after the CPF member tried to calm a situation down over a dispute of land. On arrival, they were met by a violent male and a female. As police proceeded into the property to ascertain what the matter was, Musawenkosi Michael Gabela approached a member and managed to grab his R5 rifle.”

Naidoo said that a tussle between Gabela and the Isipingo police member resulted in three rounds being fired.

“Another member acted to protect his fellow colleague, fatally shooting the suspect. The surprise attack and struggle resulted in Gabela’s death,” said Naidoo.

The injured police member was subsequently rushed to a local hospital after he sustained a gun shot to his right leg. He is in a stable condition.

Isipingo police station commander Colonel Hendsford Zama expressed shock and concern at the attack on SAPS members, and urged all police to exercise extreme vigilance during the performance of their duties.

Naidoo added that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will be investigating further.

A case of attempted murder and attack on the police has been registered at Isipingo police and Gabela’s mother was taken into custody.

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