According to KwaThema police spokesman, Capt Thabo Sibuyi, Mkhonza was attacked at about 7.30am while at the Ekuthuleni Squatter Camp, to feed his pigs.
“Mkhonza was off duty at the time of his visit to the informal settlement in KwaThema.
“He started his day by cutting grass and flowers, which he gathered for the pigs.
“Thereafter, he went to a nearby house where he asked for left overs, before going to feed the animals,” explains Sibuyi.
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Unfortunately for the officer, he then came across three drunk unknown young men.
“The trio approached Mkhonza and one of these men started speaking to him.
“He kept asking why the officer didn’t employ his friend to feed his pigs, since he has money,” says Sibuyi.
The unsuspecting Mkhonza politely asked the young men to back off, which they seemingly didn’t take kindly to.
That prompted two of the three men to approach the officer and allegedly start throwing stones at him, injuring his jaw and arm.
He then fell to the ground, but shortly after attempted to stand up.
“One of the two attackers then took out a knife and stabbed the officer, at which point he tried to block his face with his hands and arms.
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“The other guy also continued hitting Mkhonza again on his lower jaw with a stone, leading to him falling again.
“As a result, the accomplice with a knife was able to stab the officer under his left eye,” adds Sibuyi.
The men fled the scene, while Mkhonza asked for help from the community.
Residents were able to call his family and an ambulance.
Paramedics took him to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, however due to the intensity of his injuries, he had to be transferred to a hospital in Centurion.
“When he was stable, Mkhonza was returned back to a hospital in Springs – he is still there, recovering.
“One of the suspects (19) was arrested on the same day, while the other is still at large,” concludes Sibuyi.
Police are still investigating a case of assault with intent of grievous bodily harm.
The suspect made his brief court appearance at the Springs Magistrates Court on Monday; the matter was remanded until further notice however.
He will stay at the Modderbee Prison until his next court appearance.
Anyone with information that can assist the police, can contact KwaThema detectives on 011 812 4600.
