IT was one tough day for ET Rapid Response on August 29, with its armed response officer involved in a serious car accident near Illovo Beach, and another officer stabbed in Doonside.

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Brenson du Plessis was driving north along the R102 just after Lanarco when his branded response vehicle was struck from behind by a bakkie. In a statement, ET Rapid Response said Du Plessis’ vehicle rolled multiple times before coming to rest on the side of the road, while the other vehicle ended up deep in the bush further down the road.

“He was taken to Kingsway Hospital by an ambulance, where he was admitted. Fortunately, no serious injuries were sustained, and he was released later that evening,” read the statement.

While celebrating that Du Plessis was okay, a call was received to report that another officer, Christopher Khuzwayo, had been stabbed at Umfuleni Road in Doonside while responding to a call for assistance.

“The CCPO (Community Crime Prevention Organisation) had received a call from an alert foot patroller about a suspicious male with a bicycle. Upon confrontation, the suspect fled. Khuzwayo arrived within minutes, and when he tried to apprehend the suspect, he was stabbed twice in the face,” it said.

Acting in self-defence, Khuzwayo shot the suspect, who collapsed and died near the scene as he tried to flee.

“Khuzwayo was rushed to Kingsway Hospital and was later transferred to Chatsmed Hospital in Chatsworth due to his facial injuries. We can happily report that he is in a stable condition,” read the statement.

The company commended both officers and everyone who offered support.

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