KEY POINTS
- A man shot and killed two suspected robbers in a late-night attack.
- Police seized his licensed firearm for ballistic testing.
- Authorities continue investigating whether the shooting was in self-defense.
A man in Mpumalanga was arrested after fatally shooting two suspected robbers in what appears to be a self-defense incident in Tonga View early Sunday morning.
Lieutenant Colonel Ndubane confirmed that police were called to the scene around 2 a.m. after receiving reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found a man with head injuries, who told them he had been attacked by two assailants.
According to the victim’s statement, one of the suspects grabbed him from behind while the other pointed a firearm at him.
He fought back, drew his licensed gun, and fired shots at the suspects. Both men sustained gunshot wounds and were later declared dead by paramedics.
Police recovered several cartridges at the scene, along with a replica firearm found near the bodies of the deceased suspects.
Police investigate shooting as firearm undergoes testing
Authorities have opened a case of arson and taken the man into custody while further investigations are conducted.
His firearm was seized for ballistic testing to determine whether it was used legally.
“The man’s gun is registered under his name,” Ndubane said. “However, further investigations will determine if all legal procedures were followed during the shooting.”
According to IOL, the acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has called for a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
Authorities urge calm as the case develops
The case has initiated arguments about self-defense privileges across South Africa, as the country experiences elevated crime statistics.
Part of the community supports that the man operated according to his rights yet others advocate for extensive probes to establish conclusion certainty.
The law enforcement department has requested citizens to stay composed while they investigate whether the killing was proper or if more charges need to be made.
The authorities request the public to provide any evidence that could advance the investigation.
