Shymkent Official Shot Outside Akimat Building, Motive Under Investigation

An armed attack occurred last night around 8:30 p.m. near the Shymkent Akimat building. Ruslan Berdenov, a city official, sustained gunshot wounds and underwent emergency surgery, Orda.kz reports.

Preliminary information identifies the suspect as a 29-year-old Yernar Zhiembay, a former employee of "Turgyn Uy Shymkent" LLP, a company under the Akimat. He allegedly fired three times from a Saiga-12 rifle. Initial reports indicate alleged harassment of the suspect’s wife as a potential motive.

Berdenov was taken to a city hospital with injuries to his right thigh and shoulder.

Beibit Alibekov, a fellow party member of the victim, confirmed that Berdenov survived:

He was shot three times, two bullets entered, vital organs were not affected. Now he is in surgery. Let's pray for him, wrote Alibekov on his Telegram channel. 

He claimed the shooting could be linked to Berdenov’s recent efforts in the construction sector:

What happened may be related to the restoration of order in the construction sector of Shymkent.

He added that Berdenov had received threats and the attacker had recently been dismissed from his position.

Later, Alibekov provided an update:

The lung and liver are affected. But everything will be fine.

Shymkent police confirmed the incident, noting that a criminal case has been opened:

As a result of the incident, an employee of the Akimat was injured and hospitalized. He is receiving all necessary medical care. The suspect in the crime was detained and placed in a temporary detention facility. A criminal case has been opened. An investigation is underway, during which all the circumstances of the incident will be established. Other information in the interests of the investigation is not disclosed.

According to the regional health department, the surgery lasted over four hours. The medical team managed to stop the bleeding and repair organ damage.

While Berdenov’s condition remains serious, doctors say it is now stable:

The patient's condition is assessed as stable but serious. He is under constant medical supervision and is receiving all necessary medical care,
the department added. 

Otyrar reported the official diagnosis: a penetrating gunshot wound to the right side of the chest with injuries to the lower right lung, intercostal arteries, diaphragm, and hemopneumothorax. Berdenov also suffered abdominal wounds affecting the liver, kidney, and multiple other areas, as well as hemorrhagic shock.

Reports later surfaced that Berdenov regained consciousness.

Meanwhile, on Facebook, Aigerim Zhumagulova, head of the Akimat's Department of Internal Policy and Youth Affairs,  questions the initial motive:

I just spoke to the detainee's wife at the Department of Internal Affairs. The woman came to give a statement in the case. She said that she does not know Berdenov personally. In that case, what kind of harassment can we talk about?

The investigation remains ongoing.

Original Authors: Alexandra Kim, Oksana Matvienko, Third article