A 49-year-old mentally ill man has been killed, allegedly by a police officer, in KwaDabeka, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal community safety MEC Willies Mchunu said on Tuesday.
"Reports suggest that Sihle Nkumbi, who is said to be mentally ill, allegedly attacked officers at KwaDabeka police station where he damaged property, and when officers tried to restrain him, he apparently became aggressive and stabbed one officer," he said in a statement.
"Police say, in self-defence, Nkumbi was shot and died at the scene."
Mchunu said Nkumbi's relatives protested outside the police station following the shooting on Monday, demanding answers.
The MEC said a full-scale probe would be launched.
"We are very disturbed at this unfortunate development where a man, who is said to be mentally ill, has lost his life.
"We wish to urge members of the community to be calm and observe restraint while investigations into this matter are underway," Mchunu said.
He cautioned police to exercise caution while conducting their duties, especially in sensitive matters.
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