Cops allegedly shot him in the leg after accusing him of wearing a pair of expensive stolen Carvela shoes. Now the man wants compensation.

In a matter before the South Gauteng High Court, Wiseman Sithole, 27, is suing the minister of police for R13-million in damages.

Sithole, of Ivory Park near Tembisa, lost his leg after he was shot in the knee while allegedly resisting arrest in 2013. A bullet went through both his knees.

His right leg was subsequently amputated above the knee.

Sithole also claims he was poisoned while under police guard during his stay at Tembisa Hospital.

Speaking to Sowetan, Sithole said his nightmare began when he bought a pair of black, polished Italian Carvela loafers for R1600 on the day of the incident.

He had his new shoes on when police came to his home in Ivory Park with a complainant in tow, who claimed his belongings, including shoes, were stolen from him.

"He said he marked his shoes with a cross underneath the sole but when the police checked my shoes, they were brand-new and there was no cross and they left," Sithole said.

Later that evening, Sithole said he went to his local drinking hole, where police officers in three vehicles attempted to arrest him.

"I was in a toilet when one of the officers put a gun on the side of my head. They dragged me outside, assaulted me and tried to push me into the back of a police van but I resisted. I asked them why I was being arrested, then I was shot in the leg," he said.

Sithole said the police did not attempt to help him.

He said his brother, who happened to be with him, called an ambulance that took him to Tembisa Hospital. He said he was transferred to the Steve Biko Academic Hospital where the leg was amputated.

"I was placed under police guard. They tied my injured leg and one hand to the bed. A police officer sat by my bed at all times," he said.

Sithole said he was transferred back to Tembisa hospital where he alleges police poisoned his water.

"I had painful stomach cramps. Tests were done on the water and the hospital found that it had been poisoned. I was then moved to a normal ward where I was protected by hospital guards."

Sithole said the incident changed his life.

"I used to teach young children dance and acting. I was able to get piece jobs and provided for my child. I was able to do things on my own but now I rely a lot on other people. I feel useless. It is difficult to move around on crutches," he said.

Lawyers acting on behalf of the minister denied the allegations.