Mthatha police have shot dead a suspect at the Madeira Police Station who brandished a knife at a SAPS official.
According to police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, the incident happened at about 18:15 on Sunday evening.
Kinana says, that a preliminary investigation revealed that SAPS members were performing their duties at Madeira Police Station when the 31-year-old man burst into the Community Service Centre swinging his knife, while insulting and advancing towards the police.
“The surprise attack and struggle between SAPS members and the suspect who is now deceased resulted in a fatal shooting of the suspect inside the police station.”
He says no injuries were reported on the side of the SAPS members in the police station.
Kinana says a further investigation into the matter revealed that shortly before the knife incident, the suspect had allegedly stabbed his male cousin, his mother and another family member, at his home.
He also allegedly robbed them of a handbag with money and other items including cell phones.
Three cases of attempted murder are under investigation.
An Inquest for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), has also been launched.
He says services to members of the community continued at the station with reinforcement from other offices.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has expressed shock and concern at the unprovoked attack on SAPS members, and further urged all SAPS members in the Police Stations around the Province to exercise extreme vigilance during the performance of their duties to serve communities.
He says services to members of the community continued at the station with reinforcement from other offices.
