Police officer shot during robbery in Mpumalanga

Witbank police spokesperson Sergeant David Ratau said an armoured vehicle was allegedly robbed by heavily armed gunmen who shot and wounded a police officer while he was giving chase to the escaping gunmen yesterday at about 9.30am, Witbank News reported.

“Investigators and emergency personnel blocked off the road and searched the area for bullet casings and other evidence. Over 20 rounds were fired and several passing vehicles were struck. However, no other casualties were suffered during the shootout,” added Ratau.

“When we heard the gunshot we just ran inside. The robbers attacked the armoured vehicle with semi-automatic weapons,” said an employee at a nearby petrol station.

“The policeman that was shot is currently in ICU in a hospital in the eMalahleni area and in a stable condition,” said Ratau.

Last month, an off-duty police officer reportedly succumbed to his injuries, while a suspect was shot during an attempted robbery on Mitchell Street and Honeyball Avenue, Roodepoort, Gauteng.

According to eyewitnesses, the police officer, believed to be in his 40s, was washing his vehicle when he was allegedly confronted by four suspects in his yard.

“After being shot, he managed to chase the suspects towards Honeyball Avenue Golf Club Terrace and shot one of them in the arm. The officer allegedly succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the nearby Discovery Clinic.

“The injured suspect’s shirt and firearm were recovered at the gate of one of the houses on Honeyball Avenue,” said the eyewitness.

– Caxton News Service