A resident, Mr. Silinda Muziwakhe residing in Klarinet was shot numerous times by police with rubber bullets in his own yard.
Illegal strikes are a daily reality in and around eMalahleni as another strike happened on the main road of Klarinet on August 2 due to electricity problems in that area.
“I was busy in my house when I suddenly heard gunshots. I rushed outside to call my children and lock my gate as I knew there was a strike going on,” said Muziwakhe.
As he got his children safely in the house, he saw two policemen with guns. One of the policemen allegedly then shouted that Muziwakhe should run away.
“I immediately asked the SAPS member why I should run away as I am in my own yard. I was really confused when the first rubber bullet hit me but I still did not run away,” he added.
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The two policemen did not stop there and allegedly came closer to Muziwakhe’s yard threatening to shoot his dog on a close range.
“One of them came to my palisades and aimed his gun through the palisades and started to shoot me. The first shot was on my thigh and the second shot was on my behind, both of the shots were close range. The third shot missed me but went straight to my front door,” Muziwakhe added confused.
Muziwakhe asked them over and over again why did they shoot him but did not get a response. One of the policemen then allegedly came into Muziwakhe’s yard threatening to arrest him.
With all the commotion going on, Muziwakhe’s neighbours came outside and saw the policeman pulling out a hand gun while he was shouting that he will arrest him.
“Another policeman came and pulled away the member that was aiming the firearm towards me, he grabbed him and left the scene,” said Muziwakhe.
A case of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm was opened by Witbank Police Station.
“The complainant has a right to open a case of attempted murder, thereafter the Independent Complaints Directorate (IPID) will do an independent investigation,” spokesperson of Witbank Police, Cpt Eddie Hall concluded.
