Tebogo Msimanga |
The police in Mpumalanga are investigating a case of corruption as well as an additional charge of attempted murder.
A suspect, aged 45 who is a member of the police is said to have engaged in a shootout with other SAPS members from National Anti-Corruption and Intervention Unit in Highveld park near Witbank. The incident is said to have occurred on the evening of 02 August 2022.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said according to the information, the shooting spiral from an incident in which the said member, employed by SAPS as a Warrant Officer allegedly solicited a bribe of R 500,000 from a member of the public.
“It is then said that an undercover operation was set up by the alluded Unit. At around 22h25 the member who is attached to Organized Crime at Head Office called the complainant and demanded cash for clinching a deal in the coal mine around Witbank area. It is further said that the cash was dropped at a particular house thereafter the member is said to have collected the cash and left in a white Nissan NP300 bakkie”.
Mohlala said the police that were on the covert operation tried to stop the vehicle driven by the suspect however the man responded by firing shots at the members who also returned fire with fire. “The suspect was reportedly shot and sustained some injuries. He was then arrested and charged accordingly but taken to hospital where he is under police guard”
The police managed to also recover an undisclosed amount of cash at the scene. The suspect is expected to appear at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court soon.
