A 22-year-old suspect was arrested in Cloverdene on February 14 after he allegedly assaulted two EMPD officers, disarming one.
According to unit spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa, the two female officers were doing routine operations in the informal settlement when the suspect ambushed them.
“It is alleged he used a brick to hit one of the officers on the head,” she said.
“A scuffle ensued, after which he disarmed the officer. He discharged the firearm before fleeing the scene.”
Thepa said EMPD Rapid Tactical Response Unit members responded promptly to the incident, and a manhunt for the suspect was launched.
“A man matching the suspect’s description was spotted in the area,” she said.
“Upon approaching him, he dropped the firearm and attempted to run away, but through swift action, he was arrested.”
The suspect was handed to the Crystal Park Police Station, where he was charged with being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and live ammunition, assault, robbery and discharging a firearm in public.
He will soon appear in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court.
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