Police officer stabbed in drug chase

A police officer was wounded and a suspect shot dead at a scene in Phillip Nel Park on Thursday afternoon.

According to the Pretoria West police station commander, Colonel Caroline Naidoo, police saw a suspect selling something behind the Qwagga Centre during a routine patrol.

“The police gave chase and the suspect ran over the N4 towards Phillip Nel in the residential area. One police officer gave chase on foot until WT Vale Street.” Naidoo said the police officer was allegedly threatened by the suspect.

It is believed that a struggle broke out between the police officer and the suspect, and the officer was stabbed with a sharp object in his upper body.

“The police officer sustained minor injuries. Shots were fired by the police officer and one gunshot wound was found on the suspect,” Naidoo explained.

The suspect was declared dead on the scene by paramedics. The police were right to chase after the suspect, as Naidoo confirmed that when they searched the suspect, drugs were found on him.

A case of police attack is being investigated and further investigations continue to determine other charges.

Several residents were shocked to see someone jumping over their walls.

DA ward councillor, Sam Moimane, pointed out the importance of knowing about the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and the ‘Know your neighbours’ campaigns, as most crimes happened during the day.

“We should look out for each other and report any suspicious people or anything happening to the police immediately.”