Two police officers on patrol in Extension 25, Kinross, Mpumalanga, faced violent resistance when shutting down a tavern operating beyond the permitted hours on 26 January. Most tavern licenses in Mpumalanga prohibit operations past midnight.

According to provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the officers entered the tavern and spoke with the owner, who cooperated and began closing the establishment while asking patrons to leave.

However, chaos erupted when the officers were alerted to a man vandalizing their patrol van outside. Upon confronting the suspect, a scuffle broke out as he attempted to grab one officer’s firearm.

A group of patrons then joined the fray, trying to disarm the police officers. During the struggle, a firearm was discharged, and one civilian was shot in the leg. Fortunately, the officers prevented the group from obtaining their firearms and called for backup.

The officers sustained no injuries, but their patrol van was extensively damaged, with its windscreen smashed, body panels dented, and tyres slashed.

Brigadier Mdhluli confirmed that the incident is under investigation, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is conducting its own inquiry into the shooting. No arrests have been made yet.

Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi condemned the violent and unruly behavior of the patrons. He expressed concern over repeated attacks on police vehicles, referencing a similar incident in Thulamahashe under the Mhala policing precinct just a week earlier.

“These actions affect service delivery to the community,” Mkhwanazi said, urging the public to protect state resources vital for their safety and well-being.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.