Mthembu’s shooting should be investigated thoroughly

Mthembu’s shooting should be investigated thoroughly

By BRIAN KAJENGO

Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe urged the police to investigate and arrest all suspects that are linked to the shooting incident that involves Member of Parliament, Jackson Mthembu.

The MEC Vusi Shongwe said Mthembu’s case and other violent crime cases need law enforcement agencies.

Its alleged that Mthembu shot while using an ATM on Mandela Street in the Witbank CBD on Sunday 19 October 2014. It is reported that the suspect came from behind, pointing a firearm at him and instructed him to draw all the money from his bank account. Mthembu turned around and unfortunately a shot went off and hit him in the cheek.

The armed man and three accomplices allegedly went to Mthembu's car where four of Mthembu's friends were waiting. Mthembu and his friends were allegedly robbed of their money and cellphones. Mthembu was rushed to the Witbank Hospital, where he is in a serious but stable condition.

MEC Shongwe has also urged community members to come forward and assist police with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects. He maintained that working together with communities, crime can be defeated. Shongwe said the police should not rest until the perpetrators have been brought into book

He added that it was unfortunate that the incident occurs just days after the department has raided Emalahleni and surroundings during an Overall Friday Programnme. He said that it shows that there is still a lot of work that is needed to reduce criminality in the area.