South African National Defence force (SANDF) member Hendry Ngomae, 29, was granted bail of R5000 on Monday 21 September after he appeared in the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on charges of attempted murder.
The matter was postponed to 28 October 2020 for further investigations.
MAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED SHOOTING INCIDENT
The Police at Mogwadi in the Capricorn District arrested a member of the SANDF last week for allegedly shooting a 27-year-old man by the name of Solomon Modise at the local shopping complex.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo and police, SANDF members were reportedly on duty monitoring COVID-19 compliance in the area when they approached a group of people who were not wearing face masks.
“When asked why they were not wearing masks, an argument allegedly ensued and one of the soldiers shot the victim,” said NPA regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi- Dzhangi.
Modise was, thereafter, taken to the local hospital where he received medical attention.
SANDF CLAIMS CIVILIANS TRIED TO DISARM SOLDIER
Following the shooting incident, SANDF released a brief statement confirming that a weapon was discharged in Limpopo. While police and the NPA stated that an argument ensued about the wearing of face masks, the SANDF said civilians threatened to disarm the soldier.
“SANDF confirms that a shooting incident occurred whilst the SANDF was out on duty in Mogwadi in Limpopo. The incident occurred when a group of civilians threatened to disarm one of the SANDF members and a shot went off during the quarrel and injured an adult male on his right thigh,” it said.
“The injured was attended by the nearest local doctor and was later transferred to Helen Franz Hospital. A case of attempted murder was opened at Mogwadi Police Station,” it added.
In a separate incident, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula landed in a pot of hot water for allegedly allowing an ANC delegation to use a military jet to fly to Zimbabwe to meet with their counterparts. Following the controversial flight, President Cyril Ramaphosa has since requested a report from the minister detailing the circumstances of the flight and its passenger list.
“The ANC cannot legitimately investigate itself, the President must hand over this report so that checks and balances that are available in our democratic system can properly scrutinise it and hold those found guilty accountable,” said DA Shadow Minister of Defence Kobus Marais.
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