Mpumalanga taxi drivers to appear in court for public violence
A group of taxi operators were arrested by police in Witbank on Monday evening for causing disruptions outside the police station premises.
The taxi drivers went to Klarinet in Witbank where they allegedly kidnapped and severely assaulted two men accused of theft.
One of the men died from his injuries while the other victim was admitted in hospital.
Police subsequently searched for the suspect at a house in Witbank.
“Upon noticing the members approaching, he reportedly ran out of the house holding an object resembling a firearm, which he allegedly used to point at one of the members," says police spokesperson Selvy Mohlala.
“Apparently that was when the police reportedly shot at the suspect who sustained some injuries on the lower body. The 33-year-old male suspect was then arrested. At that point, police learned that the object they confiscated from his possession was a toy gun. He was thereafter taken to hospital but later discharged.
“The suspect is due to appear in the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday facing a charge of murder and attempted murder. More charges with regard to the toy gun may possibly be added against him as the probe continues.”
The taxi drivers demanded the release of the 33-year-old man but were ordered to leave the station.
“Instead of leaving, they became violent and began to pelt stones at the SAPS premises. That was when members reacted thereby ensuring that all of them are arrested and charged for public violence," added Mohlala.
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