Video footage of a fatal shooting involving police from Johannesburg (Joburg) and a knife-wielding man has cast a spotlight on law enforcement’s ability to de-escalate situations without resorting to violence.
Watch: Joburg police gun down knife-wielding man
In the clip that’s done the rounds on social media, a shirtless man was seen running towards his car with a sharp object in his hand.
The police stood a few metres away with their guns drawn. In the audio, no words of caution or attempts to speak sense to the man were heard.
At this time, the condition of the man remains unknown. However, the police involved in the shooting felt it was necessary to release gunfire on the knife-wielding man.
At least six gunshots were heard in the clip. The man attempted to run away from his vehicle but fell to the ground after the fifth bullet struck him.
It’s not known at this stage what the confrontation was about. According to reports, however, the knife-wielding man allegedly tried to attack police and motorists.
This is a developing story.
You can watch the confrontation right here:
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#Incident #shooting @SAPoliceService gunned down a knife-wielding man on a Johannesburg Rd. After attempting to attack police and motorists. Footage received.. @BOSBEER2006 @1SecondLater @MARIUSBROODRYK @News24 pic.twitter.com/ns94CG98gs
— BOSBEER.COM (@BOSBEER2006) May 12, 2021