Bid to rob cops of guns ends in failure
Two metro cops were robbed of their service pistols - but quick-thinking by the SAPS led to the arrest of one of the attackers.
|||Cape Town - Two metro police officers were robbed of their service pistols in Khayelitsha on Tuesday after they stopped to give a motorist a ticket.
But quick-thinking by the SAPS led to the arrest of one of the attackers.
According to the City’s acting executive director for safety and security, Wayne le Roux, four men armed with at least two guns held the metro cops up and took their guns.
The robbery happened in Walter Sisulu Road, Khayelitsha. Le Roux said the officers were about to issue a fine when they were approached by the four.
The armed robbers took their guns, took the key, locked the patrol car, jumped into a white Polo and sped off.
Coincidentally, patrolling police officers from Lingelethu West Police Station saw the Polo and called it in. It was established the number plates were fake. They gave chase and the car was brought to a stop in Ilitha Park, Khayelitsha.
Three of the suspects fled, one was arrested and the SAPS recovered four pistols, the two belonging to the City and an illegal pair.
The car had been stolen during a hijacking in Kleinvlei last month.
Police spokesman Andrè Traut said they are still searching for the other three men.
Once charged, the suspect is expected to appear in court on charges of robbery, possession of illegal firearms and the possession of a stolen vehicle.
Le Roux said he was thankful the two officers were not injured in the attack.
“We appeal to residents to assist us and identify the perpetrators because we render our services to the public.”
sandiso.phaliso@inl.co.za
Cape Times