Police have launched a manhunt after 12 men, impersonating police officers, entered a Silverton police building in Pretoria and used explosives to break open a safe containing confiscated drugs on Sunday. A shootout occurred and a police officer was shot.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe the suspects were travelling in a white Ford Ranger bakkie with no registration.

“The suspects gained entry into the building and attempted to break open a safe inside,” Mathe says.

“Explosives were used to open the safe containing confiscated drugs. The attempt was unsuccessful.”

A shootout between police patrolling the area and the suspects ensued and a police officer was shot and injured in the process.

The police stopped the suspects from gaining entry to the safe and they fled the scene empty-handed.

Mathe says the injured officer was taken to hospital.

She adds that police have set aside R25m in the coming financial year for security upgrades at all its buildings nationwide.