EASTERN CAPE – Chaos erupted at Majola Police Station this week when a police constable allegedly opened fire inside the station after a weekend marked by violent confrontations and alleged vehicle theft.

According to police, the 24-year-old constable was arrested on Monday following a shooting incident that left the acting station commander wounded and sent police scrambling to disarm and apprehend one of their own.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in the Eastern Cape, police said the constable had allegedly been involved in a series of incidents over the weekend before tensions boiled over at the station.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the constable allegedly stabbed two men during separate disputes on Saturday and Sunday.

Crime spree allegedly started over the weekend

It is alleged that the constable forcibly took two private vehicles during the incidents.

One of the vehicles was reportedly crashed, while the second rolled into water after the suspect fled the scene.

According to police, no cases were opened at the time of the alleged incidents.

However, on Monday, the situation escalated when the two complainants arrived at the police station to discuss damages linked to the alleged incidents.

“The two victims came to the station to discuss damages. During the meeting, the constable forced open a colleague’s safe, took her firearm and opened fire on management and the complainants.”

Gantana added that the Acting Station Commander was shot below the left arm and is in stable condition.

A shoot-out between the suspect and fellow SAPS members allegedly followed inside the station precinct before the constable fled into nearby bushes.

Police launched an immediate search operation and later arrested the constable.

The constable is now facing four counts of attempted murder, theft of a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, as well as additional charges related to the alleged stabbings and vehicle thefts.

He is expected to appear in the Port St Johns Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 27 May.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata strongly condemned the incident, describing the constable’s alleged actions as a betrayal of the police badge.

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