A COP, who was part of a takedown operation that dismantled a cash heist gang in Makhado, Limpopo, on 1 September 2023 has been rewarded.
The 19 suspects, who injured the police officer, were shot and killed during the operation.
During the shoot-out with the thugs, a Hawks member was shot in the right leg, which was later amputated following medical intervention.
Lieutenant-Colonel Joe Coetzer was awarded the National Commissioner's Special Award on Friday, 16 February.
"We were in an operation to arrest cash-in-transit suspects and were deployed on 1 September 2023 to a cash-in-transit heist in Makhado, Limpopo.
"We followed up on information and reached the place where we were supposed to control the area," he said.
Coetzer said they cordoned off the scene and identified themselves.
"First, we were met with an aggressive form of assault rifle fire. The first engagement that happened, unfortunately, I was struck on the hand. Luckily, we had medical support available. Immediately, they attended to me," he said.
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They continued with the operation as different law enforcement officers assisted to penetrate the premise. He said they were met with resistance and a shoot-out ensued, which eventually led to all 19 suspects and people present in the premises being killed.
"During the last couple of minutes of the shoot-out, it's unfortunate that I was struck in the right leg, which was later amputated," Coetzer said.
He said he was thankful for the guidance and protection that God gave them because many of the members should have been injured or killed.
Coetzer added that he was recovering well and in a stable condition in Tshwane.
"I'm thankful and happy that I'm recovering. I'm waiting to get an artificial leg so that I can go back to work," he said.
The father of two said all his family members have been supportive throughout his recovery and for the support from Minister of Police Bheki Cele, the Hawks' head Lieutenant General Advocate Dr Godfrey Lebeya, and all police members.
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