PINETOWN – A Pinetown policeman was shot yesterday when he caught five armed suspects red handed.
The police officer was walking along Old Main road on his way to work at about 5:55 am on Sunday when he noticed a burglary under way at a motor vehicle dealership. There were at least five suspects inside, stealing dealership property and a suspicious-looking white Mercedes with its doors open nearby. When the officer approached the suspects, they allegedly opened fire on him and a shoot-out ensued as the officer fired back.
The police officer was shot in his left index finger and was rushed to hospital for treatment. “I wish the brave officer a speedy recovery. The suspects are still at large but our police officers assisted by crime intelligence will work around the clock in tracing these suspects,”said KwaZulu-Natal acting provincial commissioner, Major General Bhekinkosi Langa.
The suspects fled the scene in their getaway vehicle with stolen computers and a case of attempted murder and business burglary was opened at Pinetown police station for further investigation.