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Taxi operators in court after throwing stones at police station

The taxi operators started throwing stones at Witbank Police Station because the release of one of their own was denied earlier this week.

March 22, 2023
Zita Goldswain 2 minutes read
Witbank Police Station was barricaded on Monday evening.

 

Witbank Police Station became a crime scene earlier this week when taxi operators showed their anger by pelting stones at the station.

 

Several suspects were arrested on March 20 and appeared before Witbank Magistrate’s Court this morning (March 22).

 

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the whole commotion had its roots on March 15 when a group of taxi operators went to Klarinet where they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted two men accused of theft. 

 

Mr Sfiso Dube (29) died during the alleged assault and the second man was admitted to hospital due to injuries.

 

A case of murder with an additional charge of attempted murder was opened and on Sunday, March 19 investigators were led to a house in eMalahleni after receiving information on the whereabouts of the suspect. 

 

Mohlala said when the police approached the house, the suspect reportedly ran out of the house holding an object resembling a firearm, which he allegedly used to point at one of the members. 

 

“Police then reportedly shot at the suspect who sustained some injuries on the lower body,” Mohlala said. 

 

The 33-year-old male suspect was then arrested on a charge of murder and attempted murder. 

 

Police then realised that the ‘gun’ was a toy gun.

 

“More charges may be added against him as the probe continues,” Mohlala said. 

 

On Monday, March 20 around 18:00 four taxis packed with taxi operators went to Witbank Police Station and demanded the release of the suspect. 

 

They were reprimanded by the management of the police station, but instead of leaving, they started throwing stones at the building.

 

Police reacted quickly and arrested all of the taxi operators.  Cases of public violence are being investigated against them.

 

 

Mohlala said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will further investigate the shooting incident. 

 

The acting provincial commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has strongly warned people to refrain from interfering or distracting police as they perform their duties. “We cannot tolerate a situation whereby police officers are threatened to discharge their official duties. Drastic and firm action will be taken against such individuals.”

 

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March 22, 2023
Zita Goldswain 2 minutes read
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