Well wishes for ‘hero’ officer
“He risks his life everyday for his community and their safety and this makes him a hero.”
Well wishes have poured in via social media for a security officer who was shot and wounded in a shootout with suspected ATM bombers.
The officer was in the team responding to a suspicious noise around 02:40 on Tuesday, at the Cornwall Shopping Centre, Pretoria East where an Standard Bank ATM had been bombed.
It was alleged that as the officers arrived at the centre, the bombers had opened fire and JP Visagie was caught in the crossfire.
Bull Security spokesperson French Jooste said Visagie was recovering from the bullet wounds to his arm and chest.
“Tuesday, was a very long day for everyone after the shootout, but we [Bull Security] and JP’s family are grateful he is still with us.”
He said Visagie risked his life everyday for his community’s safety and that made him a hero.
“We are thankful to every community member, our clients, radio stations and newspapers for the messages, phone calls and Facebook messages. I will make sure every message gets to him.”
Jooste said three Bull Security vehicles responded to investigate the cause of the two loud explosions at the shopping centre on Tuesday.
He said the alleged ATM bombers immediately opened fire as Bull Security vehicles attempted to cut them off.
Visagie was transported to the Pretoria East Hospital by Netcare 911 medics.
Jooste said no one else was injured.
Police launched a manhunt for the ATM bombers.
Spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo said: “We are investigating the attempted murder, malicious damage to property and bombing of an ATM.”
Masondo said the number of attackers travelling in three vehicles still had to be confirmed.
“Police can confirm the group were heavily armed with automated rifles,” he said.
Police asked anyone with information to contact 08600-10111.
Also read:
Nurses allegedly shout at broken leg patient to get up
Brooklyn Mall shooters on the run
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord onFacebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
