Tebogo Msimanga |
The police were attacked by the suspect as they were executing their duties at Matsafeni outside Nelspruit. A Police Sergeant (40) sustained some injuries on his hand during the incident which took place on Thursday, 22 December 2022 around 16h00.
Mpumalanga Police spokesperson Selvy Mohlala said according to the information, it is said that a suspect, Bheki Martin Phiri who escaped from lawful custody on 11 November 2022 when attending court, was spotted at a certain tuckshop in Matsafeni near Nelspruit. “Police responded swiftly and as they were about to reach the said premises, the suspect allegedly started firing shots at the police”.
MOhlala said the police defended themselves by firing back and the suspect is said to have then fled the scene. “It was during the shooting that the Sergeant sustained some injuries after being shot. The member was taken to hospital for medical treatment”.
The suspect has not yet been arrested. The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has condemned. She has wished the injured police a speedy recovery.
