Knife-horror as shopping centre stabbing incident leaves three dead

North West police responded to a chaotic incident at the Marikana Shopping Centre on Saturday morning, 26 June, where a man was allegedly chasing and stabbing people with knives. The man reportedly bought two blades from a grocery shop in the centre immediately before threatening to stab security guards.

KNIFE-WIELDING MAN KILLS SECURITY GUARD

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in the North West, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, the knife-wielding man was chased out of the first shop where he threatened to stab security guards.

“The man who was reported to be mentally challenged, then proceeded to another grocery store where he chased security officers out of the store and threatened to stab them,” said Mokgwabone.

One of the security guards allegedly fired shots while running from the knife-wielding man but the suspect was undeterred and continued his pursuit.

The man stabbed eventually stabbed a 46-year-old security guard in the chest , who unfortunately succumbed to his wounds at the scene.

“It is alleged that the other security officer fired several shots leading to the death of the man,” said Mokgwabone.

BYSTANDER FATALLY WOUNDED BY POLICE GUNFIRE

A police Sergeant stationed at Marikana was also in the area when the suspect chased people and threatened to stab them.

According to Mokgwabone, the police officer was armed with his Service pistol and also fired several gunshots. “In the process, a man and his son were struck by stray bullets,” said the spokesperson.

The 58-year-old man died at the scene while his 39-year-old son sustained injuries to the leg and was taken to Job Shimankane Tabane (JST) Hospital for medical treatment.

Three murder cases have been opened along with one of attempted murder. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has taken over the investigation.