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Police officers stationed at the Madeira Police Station in Mthatha narrowly escaped injury when an unknown man attacked them with a knife on Sunday, January 8.
According to police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, the incident occurred at the Community Service Centre at around 18:15.
“The surprise attack and struggle between SAPS members and the suspect, who is now deceased, resulted in a fatal shooting of the suspect inside the police station,” said Kinana.
He confirmed that the knife which was used by the suspect was recovered. However, no injuries were reported on the side of the SAPS members in this police station.
Kinana added that all members who were on duty were subjected to trauma counselling, while services to members of the community continued at the station with reinforcement from other offices.
“The investigation further revealed that shortly before this particular incident, the suspect stabbed his cousin, his mother and another family member from whom he allegedly robbed a handbag with money and other items, including cell phones at his home.”
Kinana added that these items were recovered by the police and positively identified by members of the family.
Kinana further confirmed that a case of attempted murder and inquest for investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident had been opened by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
“The deceased was transported to the mortuary by Pathology personnel,” Kinana added.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, expressed shock and concern at unprovoked attack on SAPS members, and further urged all SAPS members in the province to exercise extreme vigilance during the performance of their duties to serve communities.
