MTHATHA- Members of Madeira Police Station had a narrow escape on Sunday evening, 08 January 2023 at about 18:15, when they came under a sudden attack with a knife by an unknown man in the Community Service Centre in Mthatha.
Preliminary investigation revealed that SAPS members were performing their duties at Madeira Police Station when a 31-year-old man stormed into the Community Service Centre brandishing a knife, insulting and advancing towards the police. The surprise attack and struggle between SAPS members and the suspect, who is now deceased, resulted in the fatal shooting of the suspect inside the police station.
The knife, that was used by the suspect, was recovered. However, no injuries were reported on the side of the SAPS members in the police station. All members who were on duty were referred and subjected to counselling, whilst services to members of the community continued at the station with reinforcement from other offices.
The investigation further revealed that earlier and shortly before this particular incident, at his home the suspect stabbed a cousin brother, the mother and another family member from whom he allegedly robbed a handbag with money and other items including cell phones. These items and bank cards were recovered by the police and positively identified by members of the family.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has expressed shock and concern at unprovoked attack on SAPS members, and further urged all SAPS members in the Police Stations around the Province to exercise extreme vigilance during the performance of their duties to serve communities.
Police have registered a case of attempted murder and Inquest for investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). The deceased was transported to the mortuary by pathology personnel. Further enquiries on the process of investigation and other matters relating to the incident may be referred to the IPID.
Source: South African Police Service