Johannesburg - South Africa's most-notorious dog unit is back in the spotlight after a white inspector allegedly shot at and then later punched a black inspector at a braai.
Police have fought to restore the image of the North East Rand dog unit in Benoni after three members turned their dogs on illegal Mozambican immigrants three years ago.
The latest incident has again raised questions about racism and transformation in the unit.
Beeld has a copy of the unit's journal in which the shooting is noted under Friday, September 5.
The entry states that inspector Laurence Mdluli entered the unit's canteen that afternoon to talk to colleagues. A white colleague apparently told him to leave.
Mdluli didn't leave immediately, and the officer told him that he was not welcome. According to the entry, Mdluli "could see the aggression in his eyes", and left.
But before he could leave, the inspector fired a shot in his direction.
Mdluli went to a parking area, where the officer later "hit him in the face with a fist". He allegedly told Mdluli that he would kill him.
Persuaded them to withdraw charge
Mdluli laid a charge of attempted murder at Benoni police station. He later asked sergeant Andrew Maphanga, the investigating officer, to withdraw the charge.
Beeld's sources allege that white members at the unit repeatedly persuaded Mdluli and his wife to withdraw the charge. Mdluli could not be reached for comment.
AfterBeeld's enquiries, the North Rand police chief, assistant commander Joel Mokwena, appointed an investigator to probe the allegations.
A senior officer of the unit, who does not want to be named, said nobody who attended the braai could confirm the incident a few days later.
"Some members don't get along with others, which is branded as racism. They use any incident to prove there is racism involved, but they are wrong. They (those involved) were probably drunk."
Superintendent Eugene Opperman said in a written comment that the area commissioner was regarding the incident as serious and that an officer had been appointed to investigate allegations.
Director Faizel Kader, provincial police spokesperson, said it would be investigated why the charge was withdrawn.
Asked if racism was involved, he said the incident would be investigated "in context".
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