Police are questioning a 20-year-old man from the Diepkloof Hostel who was arrested following a shootout between a gang of armed men and the police at Diepkloof Zone One, Soweto last night.
According to Lieutenant Lungelo Dlamini Gauteng police spokesperson, the shooting happened while the gang were allegedly fleeing from a scene of an armed robbery of a liquor store.
“The policeman was shot in the leg, back and arm.
“It is alleged that a gang of more than five men confronted the staff members of the liquor shop and demanded money.
“They fired several shots and robbed the staff of more than R10 000,” he said.
Dlamini said, “None of the store employees were injured.
“As [the robbers] were fleeing from the scene, they were confronted by the police.
“A shoot-out between them ensued.
“Several vehicles, including a police van, were damaged by a hail of bullets.
“Further investigation may lead to the arrest of the gang members who were armed with handguns and assault rifles,” she said.
Dlamini said, “Police were investigating a case of armed robbery and attempted murder.
“They were expecting to also open several malicious damage to property cases once all the owners of the vehicles damaged in the incident came forward.
“The police officer was admitted to the Milpark Hospital, as he was in a serious but stable condition.”
Police are also appealing to anyone who has information about the whereabouts of these men to come forward.
Information may be forwarded to Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
