A 36-year-old Community Policing Forum (CPF) executive member in Bushbuckridge found himself on the wrong side of the law and was arrested for defeating the ends of justice when he tampered with a crime scene on Saturday 14 September 2024 at about 20:00, in Shatale, Bushbuckridge.
According to information, the family members were allegedly attacked by three suspects who fatally shot a 35-year-old woman and injured three other family members on the scene.
One of the injured family members was brave enough to fight back and managed to disarm one of the assailants.
In the process, one shot went off and hit the assailant.
Neighbours, including the CPF members who also work as security guard, came in to assist.
The CPF member allegedly took the firearm and disappeared whilst other community members were securing the suspect. He allegedly came later without the firearm.
Police deployed on Operation Shanela were summoned to the scene. When asked about the whereabouts of the firearm, he denied any knowledge of the firearm in question. After a short interview, the CPF member led police to where the firearm was concealed.
Both the CPF member and the assailant were arrested. The assailant is currently under police guard in hospital.
Police launched a search for the two suspects who evaded the scene after shooting. Their gateway vehicle, a Toyota Hilux with no registration plates, was spotted, and police managed to pull it over.
Two suspects allegedly alighted from the vehicle and fled the scene. According to information, both suspects were holding firearms in their hands.
The vehicle and the firearm with police insignia engraved on it with serial numbers filled off were seized for further investigation. A total of 28 spent cartridge cases were collected from the scene.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi condemned the senseless killing. “We cannot work with Wolves in Sheepskin. We will make it a point that we remove all the rotten potatoes from the system and work with people who are dedicated to serving our communities,” warned the General. Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi emphasised that investigation pertaining to the CPF member will be conducted without fear or favour.