Crime fighter on wrong side of law | Daily Sun

The firearm that was allegedly stolen from the crime scene.

A CRIME fighter finds himself on the wrong side of the law.

He was supposed to help police fight crime and protect the community against tsotsis.

But on Saturday, 14 September, a 36-yeaar-old Community Policing Forum (CPF) executive member from Shatale in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, found himself in deep trouble and was arrested for defeating the ends of justice.

This after he allegedly tempered with a crime scene. In addition, the CPF member was also charged with possession of an unlicenced firearm.

Mpumalanga police spokesman, Captain Magonseni Nkosi, said the CPF went to a crime scene on Saturday and according to information, family members were allegedly attacked by three suspects who allegedly shot and killed a 35-year-old woman and injured three other family members.

“One of the injured family members was brave enough to fight back and managed to disarm one of the assailants. In the process, one shot went off and hit the assailant,” said Nkosi.

He said neighbours, including CPF members who also work as security guards, came in to help.

“The CPF member allegedly took the firearm and disappeared while other community members were securing the suspect. He allegedly came later without the firearm,” Nkosi said.

“When asked about the whereabouts of the firearm, he denied any knowledge of it.”

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Nkosi said after a short interview, the CPF member led police to where the firearm was hidden. 

“Both the CPF member and the assailant were arrested. The assailant is currently under police guard in hospital. Police have launched a search for the other two suspects who evaded the scene after the shooting.

“Their getaway vehicle, a Toyota Hilux with no registration plates, was spotted and cops managed to pull it over. The two suspects allegedly alighted from the vehicle and fled the scene. The vehicle and firearm, which had police insignia engraved on it and the serial numbers filed off, were seized,” Nkosi explained.

He added that the hospitalised suspect was charged with murder and three counts of attempted murder.

Acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi condemned the senseless killing.

“We cannot work with wolves in sheepskin. We will make it a point that we remove all the rotten potatoes from the system and work with people who are dedicated to serving our communities,” Mkhwanazi said.

He emphasised that an investigation into the CPF member will be conducted without fear or favour.