UPDATE: Three police officers shot in line of duty
ALEX - Three police officers have been shot and injured in Alexandra, following a dramatic shootout with suspects.
UPDATE: 19 August 2015, 13:30pm – MEC of Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane has in a statement, condemned last night’s shooting in Alexandra of three police officers [including a JMPD officer] who were wounded by a man wanted for an assault case.
The man later shot and killed himself and two of the officers were treated and released and the third is still in hospital.
MEC Malobane congratulated the officers for their dedication and managing to corner and stop the suspect in his tracks.
She said their action demonstrated the police’s zeal to crack down any criminality that posed a threat to the lives of men and women in blue.
Malobane added that in the past three months, six officers in the Gauteng City Region lost their lives through crime. “Their passing is not in vain and will not weaken the morale of our police force. Instead, it will encourage them to do even more to continue to protect and serve our communities as was proven by the three officers action,” she said.
She added that any threat to the lives of law enforcement officers would be met with even more force to send a strong message to would be perpetrators that such atrocities would not be tolerated in the country.
MEC Malobane wished the officers, speedy recovery.
UPDATE: 19 August 2015, 7.30am – Alex police spokesperson Warrant Officer Moses Maphakela said a second police officer injured in last night’s shootout between police and a wanted suspect on 16th Avenue has been released from hospital.
This comes shortly after the first officer was also released after treatment. The third officer is still receiving treatment for wounds on the hip.
Listen to an interview with Warrant Officer Moses Maphakela:
https://soundcloud.com/user528046609/copshot1
UPDATE: 18 August 2015, 8.30pm – Warrant Office Moses Maphakela has said one of the police officers that was injured has been discharged from hospital.
Police have confirmed that a case of grievous bodily harm and attempted murder have been opened against the decreased.
UPDATE: 18 August 2015, 8pm – Police spokesperson Warrant Office Moses Maphakela has confirmed to Alex News that three police officers were injured during a shootout with a suspect. He said none of the injuries were life threatening.
Maphakela said the suspect who died on the scene was wanted in an assault case. The suspect allegedly shot himself once he realised he was surrounded by police. Maphakela told Alex News, that before the suspect shot himself, he stabbed a police officer in the hand and stole his rifle. The suspect shot himself with the police rifle.
The suspect’s body is still lying at the scene and forensic department has cornered off the area. Provincial police leadership are also on the scene and will assist in the investigation, according to Maphakela.
A crowed of curious residents have surrounded the area.
UPDATE: 18 August 2015, 7:15pm – One security officer and two police officers were shot and injured during a shootout with a suspect while another police officer was stabbed.
The suspect shot himself and was declared dead on scene. It is alleged that police were arresting a suspect. The suspect stabbed one of the police officers and stole his firearm.
The suspect then started shooting at police and security officers. The police officer who had been stabbed had already been transported to hospital prior to the arrival of paramedics.
EMER-G-MED Paramedics transported one police officer to hospital under Advanced Life Support care.
One security officer was transported to hospital by another service and one police officer was transported to hospital privately.
The scene has now been cleared.
You may also be interested in: CCTV footage of JMPD officer shot and killed in shopping mall
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INITIAL REPORT: 18 August 2015, 17:56pm – According to Daniella Dooley, spokesperson for Emer-G-Med, one of the suspects shot himself in the incident and was declared dead by paramedics.
“Paramedics are transporting one of the officers to hospital under advanced life support care,” Dooley said.
She said the other two officers were also being transported to hospital. One by another emergency service and one, privately.
The shootout occurred on 16th Avenue in Alex, but the scene has since been cleared.
Officer Maphakela just confirmed that the cops were only injured not dead as previously reported @AlexNewsZA @Abramjee @CrimeLineZA @meg
— Nkululeko Zilibokwe (@NkThePlug) August 18, 2015
More pics from Alex shooting via @EMER_G_MED. 3 policemen injured & 1 suspect died after shooting himself. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/iJDbbESsFi
— Jamaine Krige (@jour_maine) August 18, 2015
@KayaNews there is a shoot out @ Alex _ Selbourne & 16th Ave.
Police and Robbers on a shooting battle.— Mokone® // Thabo Lesiba Matlala (@Ke_MopediThwiii) August 18, 2015
