Shootout leaves cop, suspect in hospital
The outcome of the court appearance was unknown at the time of going to print.
A police officer and a suspect are recovering in hospital following a shoot-out along Langermann Drive and Queen Street in Kensington on Monday, December 1.
According to the Cleveland SAPS communications officer, Constable Mpho Mashakane, police officers were patrolling when they were alerted to suspicious men walking in the area.
“Two officers stopped the five men and asked to search them. One of the suspects started shooting at the officers. The officers returned fire and called for backup,” she said.
Const Mashakane said a suspect, aged 40, and a police officer were wounded in the shoot-out. Both were rushed to hospital.
“The police officer is in a stable condition and the suspect is out of ICU,” she said.
An eyewitness said he saw the officers talking to the suspicious men. “One of the suspects pretended to surrender. He faced away from the officers with his hands held high. In the blink of an eye, he pulled out a firearm and shot towards the officer. The suspects all ran in different directions. They were all firing as they were running. The other policeman charged towards the one who shot at his colleague. They exchanged fire until the suspect fell,” said the eyewitness.
At the time of going to print, both men were still in hospital.
Const Mashakane said the suspect would appear in court on Friday, facing charges of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunitions.
The outcome of the court appearance was unknown at the time of going to print.
She added that the SAPS is following up on several leads.
Cost Mashakane called on the public, who may have information regarding the suspects, to contact Crime Stop on 086 10111.
Alternatively, residents with information can contact the Cleveland SAPS on 011 677-5745/6.
