![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2016/04/14srShotar_65123.jpg)
EMPD officers Louis Els and Louwtjie du Toit responded to a call about a robbery in progress at the corner of Piers Avenue and Christiaan Street.
When they arrived at the scene they found a security officer sitting on the ground next to his company vehicle.
“The officer had been shot in his chest three times, but, luckily, he was protected by the bullet proof vest he was wearing,” says Els.
Els phoned for an ambulance and the Springs police, who arrived within minutes after he made the call.
Netcare 911 ambulance paramedics assisted the officer at the scene and transported him to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
The security officer allegedly responded to an alarm signal received from a business and, when he arrived at the scene, he noticed two armed suspects who fired several shots at him.
Els says the officer claims he tried to reverse his vehicle to safety, but more shots were fired at him by the occupants of two vehicles parked at the scene.
The security company’s vehicle was damaged during the ordeal.
Els says the security officer’s immediate reaction to the alarm prevented a business robbery.
Capt Johannes Ramphora, Springs police spokesman, confirms there was an attempted business robbery.
Police opened an attempted murder and attempted business robbery case, which will investigated.