Johannesburg - Two suspects were arrested on Monday after allegedly shooting a security guard on duty at a school in Hazyview, Mpumalanga.
The police on Monday said the incident happened on Thursday. However, the two suspects, aged 23 and 29, were nabbed at a tavern in Shabalala, a day after the incident.
"According to the report at police disposal, three armed suspects stormed into a high school in Sand River near Hazyview. They reportedly found a security guard on duty, held him at gunpoint, and demanded a firearm. When the guard informed his assailants that he was not in possession of a firearm, they shot him," said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.
Nothing was stolen from the school during this incident, which was reported to the authorities, and the guard was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
"Police in Hazyview began their investigation of an attempted murder case after receiving a tip-off from members of the community on the whereabouts of two of the three suspects. The members immediately operationalised the information, and it is further reported that the suspects attempted to shoot at the police during the time of their arrest," Mohlala said.
The police said both suspects were shot and injured, and upon their arrest, a firearm and ammunition were confiscated.
"The firearm's serial number was filled off. The arrested suspects are currently under police guard in a hospital and will soon appear in court. Police are still searching for the third suspect, arrest is imminent," Mohlala said.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) will conduct further investigation surrounding the shooting of the two suspects.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has commended the healthy relationship between community members and police in the area. The general also applauded the members for their dedication and successful encounter, even though the situation was dangerous and life-threatening.
The Star