The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has vehemently condemned an incident in which a state firearm was used during an alleged road-rage incident.
Two suspects, aged 30 and 38 were arrested in connection with the incident and are due to appear before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court, on 28 March 2022. One suspect is facing charges of attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearm with ammunition while the second suspect, who is a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF,) is facing a charge of negligence with regard to the state firearm used.
According to information received, on Saturday, 26 March 2022, police officers were conducting their routine duties when they received information about two males who were driving a white VW Golf around Ackerville who had apparently shot at a bakkie after being involved in a collision with it (bakkie).
Police swiftly responded and upon arrival at the said area, they spotted the VW Golf that matched the description, with two male occupants inside. Police then searched them and found the passenger in possession of a firearm as well as four magazines and 71 live rounds of ammunition.
The police officials later discovered that the driver is a SANDF member and the said firearm used by his fellow was in fact issued to him for official duties. The two were arrested and charged accordingly hence their court appearance.
A further probe by the members indicates that subsequent to the collision, when the driver of the bakkie confronted them, an argument reportedly ensued in which the occupants of the Golf allegedly strangled him then shot at his vehicle (bakkie).
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has further urged citizens to avoid violence but rather act in a civil manner whenever they are confronted with conflicts. Meanwhile the General commended members for their swift response. “We applaud members for their vigilance and for ensuring that the suspects are speedily arrested” commented the General.
