COPS in Cape Town are investigating after a senior officer lost a firearm in a smash-and-grab incident.
The incident happened on Jakes Gerwel road that separates Langa and Bonteheuwel areas on Thursday morning, 4 January.
The officer from Manenberg cop shop was driving along the road when she stopped at the intersection, and a thug pounced on her.
She lost her purse, which had her firearm and other belongings, during the incident.
Residents from the area said the attack on the cop is one of many incidents that have been happening in the area for years.
A resident who lives along the road said it's common during peak hours and he has witnessed a lot of incidents.
“I've lost count of people who have become victims of smash-and-grab. It happens almost daily. It's common, and we've helped a lot of traumatised people here,” said the resident.
He said the thugs who are committing this crime are known.
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They sometimes get arrested but continue with their old ways when released.
Angus Mackenzie, a councillor from the Bonteheuwel area, said the area is a hotspot, and the thugs always use shacks to get away.
He said the attacks on motorists come from Langa's side.
“It's clear to us that all the incidents of smash-and-grab activities at this intersection are being done by people from Langa, who use the informal settlement as a getaway. This activity cannot be allowed to continue, and we desperately plead with Langa SAPS to sort this out and for the very community who are being terrorised by these criminals to stand up against these individuals,” said Mackenzie.
Police spokesman Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the incident that happened on Jakkalsvlei Avenue on Thursday.
He said the senior cop in her 40s was driving towards N2 when the incident occurred.
“When the vehicle was static at the traffic intersection at the corners of Jakes Gerwel Drive and Jakkalsvlei Avenue in Bonteheuwel, an unidentified man smashed the window of the motor vehicle and grabbed a bag from inside the vehicle."
"He then fled the scene into the nearby shacks. Bishop Lavis Police members are pursuing all available information at their disposal in a bid to ensure a breakthrough,” said Swartbooi.
