POLOKWANE – A 34-year-old man will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court today on a charge of attempted murder and theft out of a motor vehicle following a stabbing incident involving an off-duty police officer.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the detective was attacked and stabbed in the Polokwane CBD last Thursday night (August 1) by an alleged suspect in a case he was investigating.
“The suspect is said to have approached the detective who was standing next to his vehicle, stabbed him and removed his car keys from the ignition before fleeing the scene,” Ledwaba’s statement read.
He said the victim, who had sustained injuries, gave chase until he caught the suspect and a physical altercation ensued.
“The community promptly responded after noticing the commotion and assisted the victim. The suspect was apprehended and the injured police officer was transported to the hospital. He is currently receiving medical attention and is in a stable condition. The police have opened a case of theft out of motor vehicle and attempted murder,” he said.
The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed her outrage, stating that the police will not tolerate “barbaric acts of violence” against their members.
“The positive response of the members of the community is highly commendable and we are forever indebted to them for not turning a blind eye on the situation, but rather, assisting our member. We will ensure the suspect faces the full might of the law,” she said.
