police officer bouncer Dobsonville captain

A SAPS member. Image: Flickr/GCIS.

Knysna cop seriously injured after attack by group of men

‘He sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital by a member of the public,’ said police. Two suspects – aged 21 and 22 – were arrested.

police officer bouncer Dobsonville captain

A SAPS member. Image: Flickr/GCIS.

A group of men allegedly attacked a Lieutenant-Colonel stationed in Knysna on Friday, 13 January. The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the member sustained serious injuries in the attack.

KNYSNA POLICEMAN SEVERELY ASSAULTED IN CBD

According to the police report, theLieutenant-Colonel was in the Knysna Central Business District when he was accosted by a group of men. The police referred to the attack as unwarranted.

“He sustained serious injuries and was rushed to hospital by a member of the public. Video footage of the incident is also circulating on various social media platforms,” said Sergeant Christopher Spies.

Two suspects – aged 21 and 22 – were arrested in connection with the attack on Friday afternoon. They are facing charges of attempted murder and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

A 57-year-old man was also arrested for allegedly obstructing a police member exercising his duties. The three suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday, 16 January.

The Knysna Community Police Forum (CPF) condemned the attack, which took place near the local taxi rank.

“This is not right, and we are saddened and duly disappointed that a well-respected police officer, well known to the community of Knysna was assaulted and injured with deliberate intent and we trust that all those involved will face the full force of the law,” said Cheryl Britz, Knysna CPF Chairperson.

The CPF thanked the member of the public who assisted the policeman for his courage. “As a community, we all need to step forward to condemn such attacks on our police members and unite alongside the police in the fight against crime,” said Britz.

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