Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
24 July 2025
A 32-year-old general worker at Evander Gold Mine, Robert Hlophe, from Mandela Section in eMbalenhle, is living with a bullet lodged in his chest after he was allegedly shot by a police officer in the early hours of Sunday, 6 July 2025.
Hlophe was reportedly waiting for transport to work when the incident occurred.
He says he was standing at his usual pick-up point when he noticed a police van nearby, a sight that initially made him feel secure, given the darkness of the early morning.
However, moments later, gunshots rang out.
“I heard loud bangs and immediately became anxious. My heart started racing,” he recalled.
According to Hlophe, the police van then approached him. One of the officers allegedly grabbed him and said, “Let’s go.”
Confused and still trying to understand what was happening, he noticed he was bleeding, only then realising he had been shot.
“I told the officer that he had shot me, but he just insisted that we go. He led me to a nearby rental unit, where a woman came out. The officer asked her, ‘Is this him?’ and she replied, ‘No, but he’s also wearing grey trousers and just a bit taller.’”
Despite being in excruciating pain, Hlophe says the officers eventually transported him to Evander Hospital.
“They told me they were doing me a favour by taking me to the hospital,” he said.
Doctors later informed Hlophe that the bullet could not be removed due to its position near vital organs, warning that surgery could be life threatening. He is now unable to return to work due to ongoing pain and trauma.
“I still don’t know why I was shot while standing peacefully in my work uniform. I want justice,” he said.
According to police sources, a case has been opened against the officer involved. However, Hlophe says he has yet to receive any formal communication or updates regarding the case against the police official, but Robert is not convinced that he will be arrested.
