COPS in Kabokweni, Mpumalanga, were attacked and showered with bullets as they attended a business burglary in the early hours of Monday, 11 April.
According to Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, police received a complaint about a business burglary in progress at Newsom in Kabokweni at about 2.48am.
Mohlala said before the cops could reach the scene in their van, they were ambushed by a group of about eight armed suspects who fired shots at them.
“The members then tactically took cover in order to prevent the loss of life. However, in the process, a police sergeant was shot and sustained injuries on the upper body.
“In the midst of the hail of bullets, police assessed the situation whilst ensuring that they obtain medical assistance for the injured member. The officer was later treated in hospital,” Mohlala said.
He said the cops braved the shooting and managed to enter the business premises, but the suspects had already fled the scene.
“It was discovered that the suspects had detonated explosives to gain entry through the steel door. They stole an undisclosed amount of cash, as well as items valued at about R6 600.
“The stolen items include a Samsung cellphone, a speed-point machine, as well as a hair-cutter,” Mohlala said.
He said a manhunt for the armed suspects has been launched.
Anyone with information that can help the cops is urged to call CrimeStop on 08600 10111.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has vowed that the police will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
“We will never retreat on the battle against crime nor allow a situation of anarchy to prevail.
“We would like to send a clear message to people who attack any officer of the law in the country that they are waging a war against the state. That behaviour will never be accepted nor tolerated,” said Manamela.
