Cape Town – The man who was shot in the head by a police officer during an altercation at a hotel in Muldersdrift, Johannesburg last month, has reportedly regained his consciousness.
Len Cloete, 59, was a guest at Misty Hills Country Hotel when he got into an altercation with staff, and the police were called in to calm the situation.
A video that went viral on social media showed a half-naked Cloete, arguing with the police until he was shot at close range.
He was rushed to hospital, where he remained in a coma under police guard.
Ipid is investigating a police officer that opened fire on an unruly guest at the Misty Hills Lodge in Muldersdrift. The lodge had asked the guest to leave and he refused. Police were called to assist. The irate man disarmed a cop before he was shot. @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/FUhIpAyuLz
— Narissa Subramoney (@NarissaS3) November 15, 2021
Reports indicated over the weekend that he had since regained his consciousness.
According to News24, Cloete’s wife, Chantal, said he had undergone two operations on his brain and skull, and had been kept in a coma by doctors.
She said, however, that he had since regained consciousness, but remained “paralysed and can’t talk”.
ALSO READ: Investigation under way after police officer shoots guest in the head at Gauteng lodge
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) also confirmed the development, saying his condition had slightly improved.
“Please note that the victim’s condition improved a little. He is able to breathe on his own and open his eyes. Ipid will get advice and instruction on the right time to speak with the victim and collect his statement from the doctors. We do not want to put pressure, as whatever he says will be under oath and will be used in the court of law so we need to be patient with his journey to recovery,” IOL quoted Ipid spokesperson Grace Langa as saying.
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Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
