“Attacks on police members will not be tolerated. We will defend ourselves and also plea with the courts to hand down harsh sentences to suspects that threaten and attack SAPS members” said the Motherwell Cluster Commander, Major General Dawie Rabie after a member of Kwadwesi police was attacked with a knife on the night of 23 January 2019.
This follows after Kwadwesi police was alerted to a burglary that was taking place at a cell tower in Petersen Street, Kwadwesi Extension at about 22:30. When the members entered the premises, one of the members was attacked by a knife wielding suspect. The police member shot the suspect in the upper leg to avoid being stabbed. Another suspect armed with a screwdriver was also apprehended.
Both suspects aged 25 broke into the premises to steal electrical wires. They were caught red handed when the attack took place.
The injured suspect was taken to Dora Nginza Hospital where he is under police guard. They will appear before the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court on 25 January 2019 to face charges of housebreaking business and theft as well as attempted murder. Additional charges for damaging of infrastructure could still be added.
This attack took place only days before National Police Day takes place on 27 January. “Police safety is the responsibility of every citizen and we are calling on our communities to protect their emergency services life lines. SAPS serves its communities with selfless priority. Our communities should do the same” added Cluster Commander, Major General Rabie.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
