Police have launched a manhunt for Bheki Martin Phiri who shot a police sergeant. Image: South African Police Service Facebook page
Police SHOT and injured by suspect who escaped custody
Police have launched a 72-hour activation plan to find Bheki Martin Phiri who SHOT a police sergeant after escaping from custody in November
Police have launched a manhunt for Bheki Martin Phiri who shot a police sergeant. Image: South African Police Service Facebook page
Police are on the search for a suspect who shot a police sergeant on Thursday, 22 December, after he escaped from lawful custody in November.
Suspect shoots police after escaping lawful custody
Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has condemned an incident in which police officers were attacked while performing their duties in Matsafeni, outside Nelspruit.
A Police sergeant, 40, was injured on his hand during the incident, which occurred around 16:00.
According to the information, a suspect, Bheki Martin Phiri, who escaped from lawful custody while attending court on 11 November 2022, was spotted at a certain tuckshop in Matsafeni, near Nelspruit.
Police responded quickly, and as they approached the alleged location, the suspect allegedly began firing shots at them.
The members retaliated by firing back, and the suspect is said to have fled the scene.
The sergeant was shot during the shooting and sustained injuries. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The suspect has not yet been apprehended. A 72-hour activation plan has been launched in an effort to locate him.
Police are asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward.
They can call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via the MySAPS App.
Manamela has sent her best wishes to the injured member.
She also stated that the police are working around the clock to re-arrest the suspect and encouraged the public to continue providing information about suspects or criminal activities.
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