Police in Ntabathemba in the Chris Hani District are on the hunt for a suspect who attacked a police officer and fled from a police vehicle while in transit to the police station on October 4.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, it is alleged that on Tuesday, October 4 at about 19:00, members from the Komani District Operational Command Centre were assisting their colleagues from SAPS Ntabathemba in attending to a complaint of business robbery suspects at a house in the area.
“As they entered, they apprehended five males aged between 21 and 25 years old. A carcass and liquor were also confiscated,” said Naidu.
She further said two suspects were handcuffed and all five were placed at the back of an open LDV police vehicle with a police official guarding them.
Naidu said while in transit to the station, the suspects attacked the police officer and jumped out of the moving vehicle.
“Three suspects were immediately re-arrested while the fourth managed to flee. The three suspects were taken to the hospital for medical attention while the fifth suspect was found at the side of the road by a community member and was taken to the clinic by a private vehicle where he was certified dead on arrival,” said Naidu.
She said the matter has been reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and an internal probe is also under investigation.
“Cases of escaping from lawful custody and an inquest are under investigation and the arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon,” said Naidu.
She said police would like to warn the community that any person who is found willfully aiding and abetting any criminal, is committing an offence, and could be criminally prosecuted hence they are urging residents to assist them in tracing the outstanding escapee.
Information can be communicated to SAPS Ntabathemba, D/W/O Phumlani Sithole on 082 441 8265 or Crime Stop 08600 1011 or the nearest police station. All information is confidential, and callers may remain anonymous.
