Stop sharing video of homeless man pointing ‘firearm’ at officers

Police in Gauteng have urged the public to refrain from circulating a misleading video of a homeless man pointing a firearm at police officials.

HOMELESS MAN BRANDISHES A FIREARM NEXT TO THE POLICE STATION

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Sello said the Management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has noted the video in circulation of a man carrying what seems like a firearm and pointing it at two police officials.

“It has to be put into perspective that the man in question is a well-known homeless person who is also mentally disturbed.”

Sello

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HOW THE VIDEO OF THE MAN WAS CREATED

On 13 November 2022, the man was seen by two female police officers passing in front of the police station in Carletonville carrying a firearm.
“Upon approaching him, the members realised that it is a toy gun of which they tried to disarm him as it may appear to others as a real firearm. Another officer came to assist them and the toy gun was seized,” said Colonel Sello.
Sello added that the man is currently in hospital for observation.

The well-known homeless man can be depicted in the video swinging his arms while carrying the toy gun as he resists it being confiscated by the police women.

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COMMUNITY URGED TO REPORT CRIME INSTEAD OF SPREADING LIES

“The community is urged to refrain from circulating videos on unconfirmed reports which mislead the public. The public is further encouraged to take part in the fight against crime through reporting any criminal activities at the nearest police station, Crime Stop Line on 08600 10111 or leave anonymous tip-offs on the MySAPS App which can be downloaded onto any smartphone. All information received will be treated with confidence,” Sello further urged.

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