NELSPRUIT - The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has condemned an incident in which members of the police were attacked by the suspect as they were executing their duties at Matsafeni outside Nelspruit. A Police Sergeant (40) sustained injuries on his hand during the incident which took place on Thursday, 22 December 2022 around 16:00.

According to the information, it is said that a suspect, Bheki Martin Phiri (picture attached) who escaped from lawful custody on 11 November 2022 when attending court was spotted at a certain tuckshop in Matsafeni near Nelspruit. Police responded swiftly and as they were about to reach the said premises, the suspect allegedly started firing shots at the police. The members also defended themselves by firing back and the suspect is said to have then fled the scene. It was during the shooting that the Sergeant sustained injuries after being shot. The member was taken to hospital for medical treatment.

The suspect has not yet been arrested however a 72 hour Activation plan has been launched in an effort to trace the suspect hence police urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPS App.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has wished the injured member a speedy recovery. The General further indicated that the police are working around the clock to ensure that the suspect is rearrested and encouraged the public to continue providing information about suspects or criminal activities.

Source: South African Police Service