A suspected armed robber was shot and seriously injured by police in Ngqeleni late Wednesday afternoon after opening fire on officers during a confrontation near the Buthongweni bridge.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded around 5:05 PM on 31 July 2025, when members of the Visible Policing (Vispol) unit responded to reliable information that a wanted suspect was seen in the Mabheshe Administrative Area.
When officers approached the man, he reportedly pulled out a firearm and fired at them. Police returned fire, hitting the suspect in the upper body. He was quickly attended to and remains under medical care.
A 9mm pistol with a tampered serial number, along with ammunition, was found at the scene. Both the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) secured the evidence and began their standard investigation procedures. No police officers were hurt during the incident.
IPID is now leading the investigation, as is protocol whenever police are involved in shootings. The case remains open as more details are gathered.
