EMALAHLENI – The ANC in the province has wished member of parliament Mr Jackson Mthembu well after he was shot in the face while withdrawing money from an ATM.
Speaking to the provincial secretary, Mr Lucky Ndinisa said he didn’t want to dwell much on the issue except that they were still shocked and that the ANC in the province will keep Mthembu in their prayers.
According to police reports, Mthembu was allegedly shot while using an ATM on Mandela Street in the Witbank CBD last Sunday.
It is reported that the suspects came from behind, pointed a firearm at him and instructed him to withdraw all the money from his account. Mthembu turned around when a shot went off which hit him in the face.
The armed man and three accomplices allegedly went to Mthembu’s car where four of Mthembu’s friends were waiting. Mthembu and his friends were allegedly robbed of their money and cellphones.
He was then rushed to the Witbank Private Hospital, where he is said to be in a serious but stable condition.
The MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe has urged the police to urgently investigate and arrest the suspects.
He has strongly condemned the shooting of Mthembu and all other criminal incidents of this nature.
He says by speeding up Mthembu’s case and other violent crime cases, communities will continue to have faith in law enforcement agencies.
Shongwe has also urged community members to come forward and assist police with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.
He maintained that working together with communities, crime can be defeated. He said the police should not rest until the perpetrators have been brought into book
He added it was unfortunate that the incident occurs just days after the department has raided Emalahleni and surrounds during the Overall Friday Programnme.
He said it showed there was still a lot of work to be done in order to reduce crime in the area.
