The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has raised serious concern about criminals who launch attacks on police officials. Barely two days back, a 57 year Warrant Officer was stabbed to death in Kwamhlanga, and now another member, a 42 year police Constable sustained gunshot wound after police were attacked by criminals in Hendrina. According to information, police received a tipoff about four suspicious looking people who were in a park behind the post office in Hendrina. Police then headed to the location to investigate. It is said that immediately after the suspicious looking people saw police approaching, they reportedly started running to different directions. Police pursued them, and one of the suspects reportedly took out a firearm and started shooting at the police.One member, a Constable was grazed by the bullet on his leg and the police vehicle riddled with bullets. Be as it may, the police never retreated, and in collaboration with the community members, one suspect aged 34 from Witbank was arrested. The suspect was found in possession of a firearm with serial numbers filled off as well as eleven rounds of live ammunitions. The suspect was charged with attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunitions, however police can not rule out the possibility of adding other charges against him. He is expected to make his first appearance before the Hendrina Magistrate’s Court today, Friday 07 October 2022. The Police appeals to anyone who might have information that can lead to the arrest of the other suspects to contact the Detective Sergeant Refelwe Baloyi on 071 623 1012, alternatively members of the public can call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous. The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further applauded the role played by community members which helped in the apprehension of the suspect as well as the recovery of the firearm and ammunitions.

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