THE Ralikhuvhana family of Vleifontein near Elim is in the process of filling a lawsuit against the minister of police, Nathi Mthethwa after a police lieutenant shot and injured Martin Ralikhuvhana (24) in front of a shop on Friday.
Ralikhuvhana told CV he was sent to buy cigarettes at the nearby shop by a friend who was busy making bricks.
He said a police van arrived and parked in front of the shop.
“As I was leaving the shop, the police official shot me in the back and the bullet came out through my stomach. I collapsed. The official that shot me never came to me, but disappeared,” he said.
“I managed to call my friend who rushed me to the Vleifontein Clinic. They called an ambulance to rush me to the Elim Hospital where I spent two days.
“I don’t know why that policeman shot me because I didn’t steal anything. If he suspected I was a criminal, he was supposed to instruct me to stop.”
“I was told by eye witnesses that the policeman in question came back to collect the spent cartridge. The horror of this incident had an impact on my preparation for the gr.12 supplementary examinations.”
Ralikhuvhana’s father, Patrick said they have reported the matter to the police and the case is now being handled by the Independent Police Investigation Directorate (Ipid).
The police lieutenant accused of shooting Ralikhuvhana appeared before the Tshitale Magistrate’s Court and was granted R2 500 bail. The case was remanded to November 25.
Spokesperson for Ipid, Moses Dlamini confirmed that they were investigating a case of attempted murder against a police official.
