EPR officer wounded in the line of duty
An EPR reaction officer was hospitalised after sustaining serious injuries while responding to an emergency at a property. Two perpetrators were also arrested.
EPR reaction officer Jan Venter was seriously injured while responding to a panic signal from a property in Elandsvlei on June 24.
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EPR’s general manager Johan Krogh stated that at about 01:56, they received the panic signal, and Venter was on duty and responded to investigate. When he arrived at the property, an unknown number of perpetrators shot at him. Krogh continued that Venter called for back-up and shift leaders Jason van Niekerk en Antonie Botha responded.
He stated that upon their arrival, they heard the perpetrators on the roof of the property. They ordered the perpetrators to step out; however, they did not respond. Venter then decided to climb onto the roof, after which a struggle ensued between him and one of the perpetrators. The perpetrator then pushed him, and he subsequently lost his balance and fell through the ceiling.
Krogh noted that Venter sustained serious injuries to his face and head.
He added Van Niekerk, then climbed onto the roof and succeeded in forcing the two perpetrators off the roof. Both perpetrators were arrested and handed over to the police.
Venter was transported to a private hospital in Krugersdorp, but due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to Netcare Milpark Hospital.
On behalf of the management and his colleagues at EPR, we wish Venter a speedy recovery, and our prayers are also with his family and friends,” concluded Krogh.
