A COP sustained injuries when he was shot, allegedly by an escaped suspect, on Thursday, 22 December around 4pm.
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said members of the police were attacked by the suspect as they were executing their duties at Matsafeni outside Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.
He said a police sergeant (40) sustained injuries to his hand during the incident.
“The suspect, Bheki Martin Phiri, who escaped from lawful custody on 11 November when attending court, was spotted at a certain tuck shop 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.
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“The members also 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,” he said.
Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela has condemned the incident and wished the injured cop a speedy recovery.
“The police are working around the clock to ensure that the suspect is rearrested and encouraged the public to continue providing information about suspects or criminal activities,” she said.
She said the suspect has not yet been arrested, however, a 72-hour activation plan has been launched in an effort to trace the suspect.
Hence, police urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to call CrimeStop on 08600 10111 or send information via the MySAPS app.
