‘Bank followers’ shoot at police officer on R21

Kempton police are investigating a case of attempted murder after four men fired at a police officer.

The officer, a member of the Gauteng Provincial Task Team, had tried to pull over the men after he received a tip-off about a series of robberies where a group of men followed victims from banks and ATMs, Kempton Express reported.

According to police spokesperson Captain Jethro Mtshali, the incident happened on the R21 near the Atlas Road off-ramp on July 13.

“The detective followed up on a tip-off he received about men driving a white BMW alleged to be involved in a series of robberies where the victims are followed after withdrawing large amounts of cash,” said Mtshali.

“Following up on the information, the cop was led to the R21, where he spotted the BMW with four occupants at about 7.30pm.”

When he tried to pull them over, the suspects allegedly fired in the officer’s direction. He immediately called for backup and the suspects were arrested.

“Three firearms and ammunition were recovered and the suspects, aged 28, 34, 40 and 43, will appear in court on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and attempted murder.”

Further investigations continue to establish whether the suspects are linked to the robberies.

– Caxton News Service