A 30-year-old man is expected to appear in the Orkney Magistrates’ Court on 18 September 2020, for attempted murder of two police officers, robbery of a firearm and attempted rape.
The suspect’s court appearance emanated from his arrest at Extension 14, Kanana on Wednesday evening, 16 September 2020, by members of Tactical Response Team (TRT). It is alleged that the suspect arrived at his sister’s house at Extension 13, at about 09:00 on Tuesday, 15 September 2020, and found his 16-year-old niece alone. He was allegedly caught red handed by another family member while attempting to rape the niece.
Subsequent to opening of attempted rape case, three Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit officers went to the suspect’s place on Wednesday evening to arrest him, but he resisted. He wrestled with the police officers and managed to grab a firearm from one the officers and randomly fired shots. As a result, a 30-year-old Constable was shot in the right upper arm. That prompted members to exit the house and call for Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) and back-up from the Tactical Response Team.
A police negotiator was also called to negotiate with the suspect who was inside the house with his parents. Resultant to negotiation, the suspect allowed his parents to exit the house. The suspect was then engaged by the TRT, but he fired shots and a 38-year-old Sergeant was shot on the left upper-arm. The suspect was ultimately arrested and the robbed firearm was recovered. The two members who were shot, were taken to hospital where they were treated and released.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned this incident which occurred in September – a police safety month in which members of the community are expected to work together with the police rather than attacking them. Furthermore, he emphasised that no amount of violence will deter the police from enforcing the law including arresting those who commit Gender Based Violence (GBV). He wished the wounded police officers a speedy recovery and reminded all members to always maintain high levels of vigilance while effecting arrests and responding to complaints.
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