THE two Westville police officers who were the first to respond to an armed robbery at a Post Office at the Westville Village Market yesterday, survived the harrowing incident.
According to the National Commissioner of Police, General Khehla John Sitole, three suspects wearing balaclavas allegedly forced their way into the post office and demanded SASSA money from one of the staff members.
“They assaulted her when she said the money had not arrived at the post office,” said Sitole.
The two members responded to an armed robbery alert at about 8.30am yesterday morning.
“The suspects allegedly continued assaulting the teller, forcing her to hand over an undisclosed amount of money as well as her personal jewellery,” Sitole added.
The three suspects fled to their get-away vehicle that had another four occupants inside.
https://twitter.com/Mdudemeister1/status/1200008089552015361
The two police officers and the suspects spotted each other and a shootout ensued.
ALSO READ: Westville shootout suspects’ getaway vehicle found abandoned, on fire
The suspects, armed with AK47s and pistols, sped off in a bakkie and continued to shoot at random as well as at the officers.
Several vehicles and buildings were damaged in the process.
“The police officers, despite being outnumbered and overpowered, remained relentless throughout the gun-battle and fatally wounded a 34-year-old suspect while the other suspects escaped. It is believed that other suspects may have also been wounded during the shoot-out,” said Sitole.
One of the police officers, who was seen falling in the video and was believed to have been fatally wounded, sustained slight injuries to both his arms while the second SAPS member escaped, unscathed.
Wow this brave police officer 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼…Westville Robbery of this morning: shootout, robber killed.@danielmarven @TakaTina1 @AdvBarryRoux @pmcafrica #PechéAfrica pic.twitter.com/dKnhzHDgLC
— Peché Africa 🇿🇦 (@pmcafrica) November 28, 2019
A Z88 pistol, with a filed off serial number, was recovered at the scene. The bakkie was found abandoned and burning at 28th Avenue in Clermont. Reports indicate that the vehicle was hijacked in Malvern in July this year.
If you know of the whereabouts of the remaining suspects, some of whom may be seeking medical attention, or crime in general, download the SAPS MySAPSApp or contact the Crime Stop number on 086 00 10111. Callers may remain anonymous.
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