Andries Khene (43) appeared before the Wolmaransstad Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 20 October 2022, for robbery of a firearm, pointing of a firearm, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, firing of a firearm in a municipal area and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.
He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance before the Makwassie Periodical Court on Thursday, 27 October 2022.
Khene’s court appearance stems from an incident that occurred on Tuesday morning, 18 October 2022, on the R502 road between Makwassie and Wolmaransstad at Lebaleng, near Makwassie.
It is alleged that a 29-year-old off-duty police Constable was driving towards Wolmaransstad on Kalane Street, accompanied by his wife to take their sick child to the doctor for medical attention.
Due to protest action, the road was blocked with stones and rubble.
Thus, the police officer alighted his vehicle to clear the road. Whilst removing some of the rocks, Khene allegedly grabbed the officer’s service firearm and fled. The police officer chased and caught Khene and they wrestled as the police officer attempted to retrieve his firearm.
During the struggle, a bullet was allegedly fired, injuring the officer on his finger.
However, he managed to retrieve the firearm and arrested the suspect.
