AN Umlazi police officer was killed during a robbery at a fruit and vegetable shop in Umzinto last Friday.
It’s alleged the 33-year-old officer, from the Umlazi Tactical Response Team, was part of a group of men who robbed the shop, demanding cash at gunpoint.
A shootout ensued between the shopkeeper and the men, and the policeman died at the scene.
A second suspect was wounded and is in hospital, under police guard.
Three other men fled the scene in two getaway vehicles with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The shopkeeper was apparently shot in the stomach and is reported to be in a stable condition.
A state-owned 9mm pistol was recovered at the scene. The gun will be sent for ballistic testing to establish whether it has previously been used for criminal activity in the province.
“Umzinto police have opened a case of business robbery, inquest and attempted murder,” said police spokesman Thulani Zwane.
“The arrested suspect is in a stable condition, under police guard. He will appear in the Umzinto Magistrate’s Court once he has been discharged. We hope the remaining suspects will be arrested soon,” said Captain Zwane.
“KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Mmamonnye Ngobeni expressed her concern about the involvement of the police officers in criminal activities. We will work hard to get rid of corrupt police officers from the SAPS. Our loyal officers will work around the clock to trace those who fled the scene with the stolen cash,” she said.
