An alleged armed robber who had committed a robbery at a local tavern opted to take his own life rather than be captured by angry residents. Fortunately, he survived and is currently recovering in hospital.
The incident, which remains fresh in the minds of residents, took place at Gundani Niani Mutale on Thursday, 10 July, at around 13:00.
A source in the area said the suspect, known locally, entered the tavern and robbed the owner. As he was leaving the business, community members confronted him. To scare them off, the suspect fired a shot into the air and fled, but the angry residents pursued him.
"Tired and seeing that he was cornered, he shot himself through the mouth and fell down but did not die. He was taken to hospital, where he is hospitalised," the source said.
Vhembe police spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident. "The police were alerted to the scene and, together with the community, searched for the suspect in the bushes. On realising that he was cornered, the suspect fired multiple shots and was found lying on the ground with gunshot wounds to his mouth and neck.
"Preliminary investigations showed that the suspect tried to commit suicide by shooting himself with a firearm. The suspect, aged 24, was then transported to Donald Fraser Hospital for treatment under police custody. We are investigating attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition, following the incident. The suspect, whose identity is known, will appear in court when he is fit to do so," he said.
Dathi praised the community of Gundani for their commitment to fighting crime lawfully. "We thank the community of Gundani for its spirit in fighting crime and not taking the law into their own hands. More so, they did it the right way, unlike in other areas, where suspects are summarily killed," Dathi said.