A CITY of Cape Town law enforcement officer is recovering in hospital after he was allegedly stabbed on the forehead while chasing robbers.
Three officers were arresting a suspected robber when residents from a nearby squatter camp intervened and attacked them, allegedly stabbing the officer in the process.
According to City of Cape Town Safety and Security MMC Jean-Pierre Smith, officers were flagged down by a robbery victim in Woodstock near the Cape Town CBD on Tuesday morning, 10 October.
“The officers spotted the suspects fleeing on foot and gave chase. They caught one of the suspects on the MyCity Bus route under the Lower Church Street Bridge.
"As they attempted to apprehend the suspect and make an arrest, members of the adjacent illegal informal settlement started to attack the officers. Unfortunately, the officers were outnumbered and one of them was stabbed in the forehead,” said Smith.
Smith said the suspects even tried to take the officer's firearm, but luckily the officer held on to it.
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“The suspects also attempted to disarm him, but luckily, the officer was able to secure his firearm. He was then transported to receive medical attention for the laceration on his forehead. The officer is currently in a stable condition.
"This follows a string of recent attacks on the City of Cape Town officers in the line of duty. I want to make it clear that we will ensure the perpetrators are held accountable for the attack on our staff,” said Smith.
The City of Cape Town urged residents to call 021 480 7700 to report any criminality in their areas or 0800 11 0077 for anonymous tip-offs.
