Three people were injured in a shoot-out during what appears to be an attempted house robbery in Waterkloof Heights in Pretoria early this morning.

According to police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, an attempted robbery took place at about 01:30.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that five unknown men contacted the son of the household, who was inside the residence with his mother, and told him to open the front door.

“Observing the [men] on the property’s security cameras, the mother immediately alerted their private security company for assistance.”

Van Dyk says upon the arrival of the armed response team, a confrontation ensued, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

During the altercation, a security officer was shot in the back, the son was shot in the leg, and the mother was shot twice in the arm, he adds.

“During the preliminary investigation, officers noted open cabinets and an open jewellery box, suggesting a possible house robbery.

“A firearm, presumably used by the [men], was recovered at the scene and has been booked as evidence.”

Van Dyk says the firearm will undergo forensic analysis to determine whether it has been linked to other crimes.

According to the Volunteer Emergency Medical Response Unit which attended the scene, two of the injured were transported to nearby hospitals via ambulances, while the other one sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to a trauma hospital in Johannesburg.

The Brooklyn SAPS has launched an investigation and urges anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact them.