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He received a call on a murder in progress in Bakerton and when he arrived, came across a mob assaulting a man.
The officer intervened and the mob claimed they assaulted the victim because he was caught stealing.
Captain Johannes Ramphora, Springs police spokesman, says one of the men tried to attack the officer with an axe.
The officer shot his attacker in the leg.
When the attacker fell down, the officer immediately removed the axe.
Ramphora says the officer called for an ambulance and the man was treated on the scene.
The injured man was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and is under police guard.
A charge of attempted murder, possession of a dangerous weapon and assault has been opened at the Springs Police Station.
The attacker will appear in court as soon as he is discharged.
