KZN police officer under guard after foiled goat theft turns violent
The Zwelisha community in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal is frustrated with livestock theft incidents in the area. In the latest incident it is alleged a police officer was with a group of suspected thieves who were injured when the community retailiated after the group was caught redhanded trying to steal goats.
Image: IOL
There are growing murmurs in the Zwelisha, Bergville, that a police officer is allegedly among four suspects who were allegedly caught red-handed while attempting to steal goats from a homestead.
The officer and a relative are reportedly under police guard at a local hospital after community members retaliated when the suspects allegedly opened fire during an attempt to apprehend them.
A third suspect was also injured in the incident, while a fourth managed to escape unharmed.
A family member from the homestead where the attempted stock theft took place declined to comment, citing the sensitivity and volatility of the matter.
“This is a difficult situation. It involves me and my family, and it is a life-and-death issue for us,” the family member said.
“Perhaps we can talk at the beginning of next week. Right now, I don’t want to expand because things are still volatile.”
The family member added that they were uncomfortable discussing the matter telephonically with someone they did not know.
“I can’t talk about such a sensitive issue on the phone with someone I don’t know, as I wouldn’t know whose side you are on. It would have been better to speak face to face.”
A relative of the police officer, Siphelele Zwane, confirmed that members of his family were injured during the incident but declined to comment further, citing undisclosed reasons.
The Zwelisha area has been plagued by a surge in stock theft, with several community members, speaking on condition of anonymity, saying crime has become a serious concern.
“Things are really bad here. Crime is making life very difficult,” said one resident, adding that many community members now live in fear.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the incident, saying Matsheni police are investigating a case of attempted theft of goats.
“When members of the community tried to apprehend the suspects, they allegedly opened fire. Two suspects were badly injured when the community retaliated. They were taken to hospital, where they are currently under police guard,” Netshiunda said.