Police in Makhado, Vhembe District, are investigating a case of murder following an incident in which a suspect was fatally wounded during an arrest on Joubert Street on Friday morning, 16 January 2026.
According to police, officers were conducting routine crime-prevention duties when they noticed a suspicious male suspect. The suspect was approached and asked to submit to a search. As one officer attempted to search him, the suspect allegedly produced a knife and advanced towards the officer.
The suspect then broke free and fled the scene. Police officers pursued him and called for backup. Members of the K9 Unit responded swiftly, and the suspect was eventually apprehended.
During the arrest, the suspect allegedly picked up an empty bottle and stabbed one police officer in the upper body, causing serious injuries.
Police fired warning shots, during which the suspect was struck and fell to the ground. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene and later certified the suspect dead.
The injured police officer was rushed to hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment.
At this stage, the identity of the deceased suspect remains unknown.
Police have opened cases of murder and attempted murder for further investigation. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been notified and will take over the investigation into the incident.
Leave a Reply