It is alleged that yesterday at 19:00, an off-duty police officer stationed at the Empangeni Tactical Response Team, had parked his vehicle at a parking lot in the Richards Bay CBD when two unknown men approached him.
They overpowered and robbed him of his service pistol as well as his vehicle. Several shots were fired at the police officer by the suspects. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital where he remains in serious condition. Charges of attempted murder and carjacking were opened for investigation at Richards Bay SAPS.
The Empangeni K9 Unit together with the Ulundi Tactical Response Team followed up information regarding the suspects involved. The vehicle was traced to the Melmoth area. Melmoth SAPS was immediately alerted and they blocked off all routes. Police spotted the vehicle and a chase ensued. There was a shoot-out between the suspects and police.
The suspects lost control of the vehicle and it overturned. Two suspects aged 23 and 29 were placed under arrest. They were also found in possession of a firearm that was robbed by the police officer. Charges for possession of the stolen property, attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition were opened at Melmoth SAPS. The suspects are appearing before the Melmoth Magistrates Court today.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula condemned the attack on the police officer. “The criminals should know that an attack on a police officer is an attack on the nation. It is quite disturbing to learn of a police officer being attacked while we are still mourning the death of a police Captain who was killed last week. I am glad that the suspects were arrested shortly after the incident,” he said.