Police put up a fierce fight, resulting in the robbers abandoning the gun battle and fleeing in a hijacked sedan.
Mpumalanga police foiled a possible robbery in a dramatic shootout that left a police officer injured and a police vehicle damaged near Malelane, outside Komatipoort, on Monday.
Police were on a routine patrol along R70 Jeppes Reef Road when they came across a white Toyota single cab occupied by four heavily armed individuals.
As police accosted the suspects, a chase ensued.
The suspects started firing at police who fired back, resulting in a gun battle between police and the suspects.
“One member sustained some injuries in the upper body and the state vehicle was also damaged during this incident,” provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said.
Mohlala said the suspects subsequently disengaged the fire fight after realising that police were not backing down.
“It is reported that the suspects abandoned the vehicle that they were using and hijacked a certain vehicle, Silver grey BMW at Matsulu, which they later abandoned. It is further alleged that they were picked up by a certain white BMW and they were never seen,” he said.
Mohlala said they were investigating a case of attempted murder in relation to the attack on the SAPS members.
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He said no suspect has been arrested thus far but police have launched an investigation.
Mpumalanga provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Daphney Semakaleng has vowed that the suspects will be hunted down until they are all brought to book.
“Members of the public are urged to come forth with information that may assist in the investigation and call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.”
This incident occur on the day the province was welcoming 733 new police recruits which Semakaleng said will boost the province in policing strategic areas whilst focusing on some of the national challenges, including gender-based violence.
She told the recruits during the ceremony held at the provincial police headquarters in Mbombela that they should unleash their potential to render effective and excellent service to the public.
“In a few days’ time it will be Christmas but these members who are like a broom, will be sweeping away crime throughout the province,” Semakaleng said.
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