A WITBANK flying squad cop was hospitalised after he was shot by a gang of thugs on Saturday night, 21 January.
Police spokesman Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said two flying squad members who were on a routine patrol offered to help a motorist who had a breakdown.
“While rendering assistance, another motorist stopped in the opposite direction close to the members. Members had to attend to a second vehicle to investigate.
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“To their surprise, when they approached the second vehicle, they noticed that the road was barricaded with rocks,” he said.
“The dedicated members then removed the rocks to ensure the safety of other motorists.
“It’s alleged that about seven fully armed suspects came from the dense dark bushes and fired several shots at the members.
“Members had no option but to return fire.
“During that unnecessary attack, one of the members was shot in the abdomen.”
He said the other member managed to rescue his colleague and quickly rushed him to the hospital, where he’s recovering.
Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela has strongly condemned the unnecessary attack on cops.
“We call for an end to the barbaric attack on police officials. Criminals must understand that the police’s responsibility is to protect and safeguard all the inhabitants of the republic, and not to act against the community,” she said.
