Police condemn the incident where officers were attacked, the civilian shooting

A civilian was shot and injured during a chaotic scene when a mob attacked police officers who were closing down a tavern that was operating beyond opening hours, damaging their vehicle and trying to disarm them.

Customers of the tavern that was being closed broke the windshield of the police van, damaged some parts of the vehicle and also stabbed the tires.

The incident happened in the early hours of Sunday in Kinross, Mpumalanga.

Provincial police acting major Zeph Mkhwanazi expressed concern about the “hostility and unruly behavior” displayed by some people towards the police.

He said the incident comes just a week after another police vehicle was damaged in Thulamahashe, affecting service delivery to the community.

He urged the public to protect themselves against those who attempt to damage state resources as these resources are vital to the provision of services to the community.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brig Donald Mdhluli, the incident happened at around 3.45am.

He told two officers were patrolling When they noticed that a tavern was still open.

“They entered the tavern and spoke to the owner, who cooperated well with them.

“While the owner was busy closing up the business and asking customers to leave, officers were informed that an individual was damaging the police van outside. When police went to apprehend the suspect, a fight broke out and the man tried to grab a police gun.

“A group of patrons got together and attempted to rob the officers of their firearms. However, the police managed to prevent the group from obtaining the firearms and called for backup.

During the altercation, a firearm was discharged and a civilian was shot in the leg. Fortunately, there were no injuries among the police personnel involved in the incident,” Mdhluli said.

According to Mdhluli, the circumstances of the incident were under investigation and the independent police investigation directorate was conducting its own investigation into the shooting incident.

No one has been arrested so far in connection with that incident, he said.

SowetanLive