Respected police officer assaulted in Knysna
Last Friday, 13 January, Knysna police were left in shock when one of their own was attacked by a group of men at the Knysna taxi rank. The officer sustained severe injuries and he had to spend four days recovering in hospital.
Lt Col Xolile Gogwana was on duty in the Knysna CBD when he was assaulted by a group of at least four men, according to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies. All the more shocking is that Gogwana was in plain clothing, which indicates that it was a targeted and unprovoked attack.
According to reports the men surrounded Gogwana at the taxi rank on Friday morning and began assaulting him.
He was ultimately taken to the ground where he was kicked and beaten by the group of men. Thankfully for Gogwana, members of the public intervened and were able to get his assailants to disperse. One of these members of the public even transported Gogwana to the hospital as he had suffered severe injuries, including a broken arm.
He was undergoing treatment in the hospital when, on Friday afternoon, more police officers returned to the Knysna taxi rank to find those responsible. According to Spies a number of people were apprehended and taken back to the Knysna police station for further questioning.
It was there that three suspects were identified and arrested in connection with the assault.
"The suspects, aged 21 and 22, are facing charges of attempted murder and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm," Spies explained. "A 57-year-old man was also arrested for obstructing a member to exercise his duties." The trio appeared in the Knysna Magistrate' Court on Monday 16 January where they were each granted R500 bail and the case was postponed to 27 February.
One of the three was re-arrested for a previous attack on another police officer, that happened the day before Gogwana's assault, on Thursday 12 January during a planned police raid of the Knysna taxi rank (read more about this at www. knysnaplettherald.com).
Furthermore, a fourth person was arrested in connection with Gogwana's attack on Monday 23 January. Both suspects will appear in court this week.
Gogwana, 49, is a long-standing member of the police force with more than 27 years' experience, of which 16 were served in Knysna. He started at the Knysna police station in 2005. His service in Knysna lasted until late 2021, when he took up the position of station commander at the Kwanokuthula police station, a position which he still holds. Spies confirmed that Gogwana was discharged on Tuesday morning, 17 January, after four days in hospital.
The Knysna Community Policing Forum condemned the attack on Gogwana, describing him as a "well-respected police officer" who is "well-known to the community of Knysna".
Chairperson Cheryl Britz thanked the man who transported Gogwana to hospital. "Our sincere appreciation to the gentleman who had the courage to step forward to assist the lieutenant colonel," she said.
"As a community we all need to step forward to condemn such attacks on our police members and unite alongside the police in the fight against crime. The Knysna CPF and community wish our dear officer speedy recovery."
Gogwana extended his gratitude to the community and his fellow police officers for the support he has received. “It is heartwarming to see the level of support from the colleagues and the broader public,” he said. “I thank everyone for their kindness and messages of support during this time.”