Members of the Sebenza SAPS are recovering well after they were injured while out patrolling on August 20.
Sebenza SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Sharon Tsotsotso said the members were on patrol driving a marked police vehicle when they stopped a white Ford Focus with three men in it.
“The driver came out of the vehicle and told the police that the disc of the vehicle was in the boot. Accompanied by one of the police, the driver went to the boot while the other members kept guard. While he was getting his disc, the other two men in the vehicle jumped out and grabbed the SAPS member. They took his firearm and assaulted him,” said Sgt Tsotsotso.
She said the men started shooting towards the police and fled the scene.
“They took the police vehicle keys and jumped into the Ford vehicle before driving off. Police members were slightly injured and they were taken to hospital for treatment,”said Sgt Tsotsotso.
Sgt Tsotsotso said two cellular phones and a driver’s licence were found at the scene. “It looks like these fell from the suspects during the scuffle with the police,” she said.
She said it was later discovered that the suspects had attempted to hijack a BMW in Norkem Park earlier that day but failed. It is alleged that they drove to an open veld at Essellen Park in Tembisa and set the vehicle they were travelling in on fire before they fled. “Community members tried to give chase but the suspects managed to evade a citizen arrest,” said Sgt Tsotsotso.
One of suspects has been identified through the driver’s licence and cellular phone but his whereabouts are still unknown. All the suspects are still at large and investigations continue.
