Reprimand Eyed as Possible Motive in Shymkent Deputy Akim Shooting

According to Orda.kz's sources in the prosecutor’s office, the situation between Yernar Zhiembay and Ruslan Berdenov escalated after a recent meeting, Orda.kz reports.

Zhiembay, who was serving as director of "Turgyn Uy Kurylys" LLP under the Akimat, allegedly received a reprimand from the deputy Akim during the meeting and was removed from the room.

Following this, Berdenov reportedly ordered an inspection of the company and had Zhiembay dismissed from his position. Investigators believe this may have been the motive behind the attack.

Yernar Zhiembay fired five shots at the official, and, based on preliminary findings, ten bullets were found in his possession. The attacker was reportedly stopped by Berdenov’s driver, who struck him with a car.

Previously, a different motive had been cited in the initial police report, claiming the attack stemmed from "jealousy."

However, Berdenov’s colleagues refuted this explanation.

"I just spoke to the wife of the detainee at the Department of Internal Affairs. The woman came to testify in the case. She said that she does not know Berdenov personally. In that case, what kind of harassment can we talk about? reported the head of the Department of Internal Policy and Youth Affairs of the Shymkent Akimat, Aigerim Zhumagulova.

The police have launched an investigation into the attempted murder. Further details have not been released due to the ongoing nature of the case.

Original Author: Orda Correspondent