A man was shot and killed in Springs after he pointed a firearm at a member of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF), the defense department said on Saturday.
The incident happened on Friday night when the army was providing back-up to the police during cordon and search operations in Gugulethu in Springs on the East Rand, the South African Press Association reported.
Some army members saw a man assaulting a woman and approached the scene.
The man then pointed a firearm at a member of the army, who shot back in self defense.
Preliminary investigations indicate the gun the man was using was stolen in a robbery in Springs in October 2004.
Earlier this week, President Thabo Mbeki gave the nod for the SANDF's involvement in the fight to stop attacks on foreigners in the Gauteng Province.
On Saturday, the defense department said any loss of life was regretted.
"The SA police service, supported by the SANDF, are working tirelessly to restore order in all areas of Gauteng," it said. Source: Xinhua
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