Witbank police probe shootings in Masakhane, Klarinet

Officers recovered stolen tyres and oil worth R60 000 following a high-speed vehicle chase, while a bystander was shot in a separate venue brawl.

2 hours ago

Lucia Mudzanani 1 minute read

Photo used for illustration purposes only.

Witbank police are investigating two separate cases of attempted murder following a shooting involving police officers and an incident in which a man was struck by stray bullets at a local pub and restaurant in Masakhane.

Gunmen fire on Witbank police during late-night chase

Police officers came under fire during a late-night stop in eMalahleni on October 1.

According to police, the incident happened at about 23:00 when officers on patrol noticed another police vehicle stopping a heavily loaded bakkie.

The patrol officers were instructed to stand aside while their colleagues attended to the bakkie.

Three men were allegedly inside the bakkie when they suddenly opened fire in the direction of the officers.

The suspects then fled, prompting a high-speed chase towards Klarinet.

Police said the suspects eventually abandoned the bakkie and fled on foot. Officers who searched the vehicle allegedly found tyres and oil worth more than R60 000.

The police vehicle that was fired at sustained three bullet holes and damage to its right front window. No officers were injured.

A case of attempted murder has been opened, and police are continuing their investigation to trace the three suspects.

Patron wounded at pub

In a separate incident, police are investigating an attempted murder case after a man was allegedly struck by stray bullets at a local pub and restaurant in Masakhane.

According to the police, the victim was waiting for his food while playing pool with friends when an argument allegedly broke out between a man and a woman.

During the altercation, the man allegedly drew a firearm and fired several shots.

Police said the woman ran in the direction of the victim as the shooting unfolded, resulting in the victim being struck twice in the left leg by stray bullets.

The gunman fled the scene shortly after the shooting and remains at large.