Bloemfontein – A man was shot and wounded in Tshepiso when police officers fired warning shots at a 300-strong crowd who turned on them when they intervened in an assault, police said on Monday.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Livhuhani Hani said the police responded to a complaint at about 11h40 on Sunday morning.
When they arrived at the scene, three people were being assaulted by a group.
“When the police intervened, a crowd of about 300 people attacked them and their vehicle with bottles and stones. The police called for backup from neighbouring stations and Orangeville arrived and assisted,” Hani said.
Police allegedly fired warning shots to disperse the crowd, hitting community member Speelman Mahlsela.
Hani said Mahlsela was hit in the arm and stomach and was taken to Fezi Ngubentombi hospital in Sasolburg.
A case of attempted murder has been opened, as well as two cases of assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm for the attack on the three people and the police.
No arrests have been made.
ANA