SA soldier accused of shooting man in face mask row

A soldier is scheduled to appear in court in South Africa on Friday to face an attempted murder charge, local media report.

It relates to the shooting and wounding of a man during an argument over the wearing of a face mask, in the north-eastern town of Mogwadi.

The 27-year-old victim was admitted to hospital, police spokesperson Motlafela Mojapelo is quoted by Motlafela Mojapelo is quoted by public broadcaster SABC as saying.

The soldier was reportedly part of a group monitoring compliance to Covid-19 safety protocols in the town.

South African National Defence Force spokesperson, Jaco Theunissen, told the News 24 websitethat members of the public had attempted to grab the soldier's rifle when a shot went off, wounding the victim.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

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