HILLCREST detectives were shot by a 76-year-old man while they were conducting a search for a suspect this morning.

According to Hillcrest SAPS communications officer, Cst Ndumiso Manqele,  police approached a house in KwaNqetho near Ladeshi Bottle Store when the man they were looking for came outside and fired five shots at the police.

“One officer was shot in his right arm and was transported to hospital. The suspect managed to escape from the police and a case of attempted murder was opened at Hillcrest SAPS.”

“A few hours after the incident, the man was arrested in Hillcrest for attempted murder and will be linked to a murder case which he was wanted for,” said Manqele.

The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa commended the investigating officers for their persistence in finding the suspect. “Police shootings will not be tolerated and criminals who shoot at police will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

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