Eleven suspects aged between 25 and 35, have been arrested after an exchange of gunfire between them and police that claimed two lives, injuring three including two police officers. This shocking incident took place after a funeral at Marite Sports Ground near Hazyview on 8 August 2020.
It all happened when a group of lawlessness individuals held an after tears party where they engaged in illegal activities such as vehicle spinning as well as firing shots randomly. Police were alerted and they responded immediately, however upon arrival, the suspects fired shots at them injuring two.
The police then retaliated, fatally shot two of the suspects and injured another. One of the two suspects who were fatally wounded, was found to be in possession of an unlicensed firearm. During the commotion, police managed to arrest eleven suspects and recover live ammunition as well.
This incident led police opening cases of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as malicious damage to property as one police vehicle was damaged. The two officers as well as the injured suspect were taken to hospital for medical treatment and the suspect is under police guard.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, has strongly condemned the alleged unruly and violent behaviour displayed by the suspects. He called on the community to continue adhering to the Lockdown Regulations.
The General has also vehemently lashed out on those staging soccer tournaments at this level of lockdown, that their actions leaves much to be desired, including funerals attended by more than 50 people, totally disregarding the Regulations. General Zuma has however welcomed the arrest and wished the injured police officers a speedy recovery. “This country is governed by law and we cannot allow a state of lawlessness to prevail or go unpunished,” said General Zuma.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Calcutta Periodical Court on Tuesday, 11 August 2020.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
