IPID arrested another VIP protector in the Free State.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in the Free State has arrested a police officer for discharging his firearm.

The allegations are that Warrant Officer Vusumuzi Matthews Makhaza (49) had a fight with a fellow patron in the Tavern in Kagisanong Bloemfontein on the 16 September 2023. He was allegedly hit with a beer bottle on the ear and he sustained an injury.

On the 24 September 2023, the suspect police officer went to a place looking for the person that attacked him seeking revenge. When he failed to locate him, he went back later that evening and found him with his Girlfriend. The Girlfriend of the alleged perpetrator of the Assault answered the door with the 9 months’ baby in her hands, but she quickly closed the door and locked when she saw the police officer with a firearm. In an attempt to get an access into the house, the police officer allegedly discharged his firearm hitting the door. The police were called and arrived at the scene after the police officer left.

IPID were notified of the incident 2 days after it happened and after conducting preliminary investigations, the suspect member was arrested on the 28 September 2023. At the time of his arrest, he was escorting the MEC of Treasury in the Free State to an event. After his arrest he was detained at the Mangaung police station and later released on warning.

He appeared in court on Monday 2 October 2023 facing Charges of Attempted Murder and released on warning.

Mr Robbie Raburabu
Acting National Spokesperson
082 926 1067 and 012 399 0056
E-mail: rraburabu@ipid.gov.za