Man killed during scuffle

2007-09-22 16:21

Johannesburg - A man allegedly responsible for a number of burglaries and armed robberies in the Lowveld was shot and killed in a scuffle with police in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga police said on Saturday.

Captain Leonard Hlathi said police received a tip-off about the man's whereabouts on Friday and were led to a tavern. The man, Elias Mathebula, 42, fled to the toilets when he saw the police.

They followed him to the toilet where he charged at them and grabbed one of the officer's R-5 rifles.

A scuffle ensued between Mathebula and the officer and a shot was fired which hit him in the head.

He died on the scene.

An Okapi knife was found in his possession.

Hlathi said Mathebula was wanted for his involvement in a series of crimes including armed robberies, burglaries, a robbery at a petrol station and for shooting a homeowner in the leg during a house breaking.

- SAPA