NELSPRUIT - The police are investigating a case of corruption as well as an additional charge of attempted murder. A suspect, aged 45, who is a member of the police is said to have engaged in a shootout with other SAPS members from National Anti-Corruption and Intervention Unit in Highveld Park near Witbank. The incident is said to have occurred in the evening of 02 August 2022.

According to the information, the shooting spiral from an incident in which the said member, employed by SAPS as a Warrant Officer, allegedly solicited a bribe of R 500,000 from a member of the public. It is then said that an undercover operation was set up by the alluded Unit. At around 22:25, the member who is attached to Organized Crime at Head Office called the complainant and demanded cash for clinching a deal in the coal mine around Witbank area. It is further said that the cash was dropped at a particular house. Thereafter, the member is said to have collected the cash and left in a white Nissan NP300 bakkie.

Members that were on the covert operation, tried to stop the vehicle driven by the suspect however, the man responded by firing shots at the members who also returned fire. The suspect was reportedly shot and sustained injuries. He was then arrested and charged accordingly but taken to hospital where he is under police guard. The police managed to also recover undisclosed amount of cash at the scene.

The suspect is expected to appear at the Emalahleni Magistrate's Court soon facing the said charges.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela applauded members for the arrest whilst condemning acts of criminality allegedly committed by members of the service. "We can never allow a situation whereby members involve themselves in criminality. Internal investigations should also follow," said Lieutenant General Manamela.

Source: South African Police Service