The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has strongly condemned an attack on Police. The sentiments were echoed by the General following an incident in which a group of 23 taxi operators stormed into Witbank Police Station on Monday evening, 20 March 2023 around 18:00 where they demanded the release of a suspect in a murder and attempted murder case.
According to information, the whole drama started on 15 March 2023 when a group of taxi operators went to Klarinet in Witbank and allegedly kidnapped as well as severely assaulted two males after being accused of theft.
One of the captured males, identified as Sfiso Dube (29) unfortunately succumbed to his injuries whilst the other one was admitted in hospital due to sustained injuries.
A case of murder with an additional charge of attempted murder was opened. The case is being investigated by a team of experts in the field of investigation.
On Sunday, 19 March 2023 the investigators were led to a certain house in Witbank after obtaining information on the whereabouts of the suspect. Upon noticing the members approaching, he reportedly ran out of the house holding an object resembling a firearm, which he allegedly used to point at one of the members. Apparently that was when the Police reportedly shot at the suspect who sustained some injuries on the lower body.
The 33-year-old male suspect was then arrested.
At that point, police learned that the object they confiscated from his possession was a toy gun. He was thereafter taken to hospital but later discharged. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will further investigate the shooting incident.
The suspect is due to appear in the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on 22 March 2023 facing a charge of murder and attempted murder. More charges with regard to the toy gun may possibly be added against him as the probe continues.
Surprisingly, it is said that on that Monday 20 March 2023 around 18:00, that was when taxi operators arrived at Witbank Police station in four mini busses and caused drama outside the premises. They reportedly threatened the management of the station and further demanded for the release of the suspect in the murder and attempted murder case.
In response to their demands, the group was informed that it was not possible and they were ordered to immediately leave the station but the group refused to do so. Instead of leaving, they became violent and began to pelt stones at the SAPS premises.
That was when members reacted thereby ensuring that all of them are arrested and charged for public violence. Their ages range between 20 and 54 and they are expected to appear in the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Monday 22 March 2023 facing charges of public violence.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has vehemently warned people to refrain from interfering or distracting police as they perform their duties. “We cannot tolerate a situation whereby police officers are threatened to discharge their official duties. Drastic and firm action will definitely be taken against such individuals. This country is governed by laws and it will never happen that we allow lawlessness to take place. People who have information about criminality then they should report to the authorities” said the General.
