Three Cape Town police officers were shot in one week; one of them is in critical condition in hospital.
Also read: Alleged cop killer slain after stand-off with police in Mamre
On Monday, South African Police Service’s (SAPS) constable, Ashley Baumann, was shot while approaching three suspicious individuals in Factreton.
‘At around 12.30am, two police constables attached to Kensington police station approached three individuals under suspicious circumstances on the corners of Lugmag Avenue and Drommedaris Road in Factreton for (…) questioning, when one fled on foot,’ says police spokesperson André Traut.
This suspect fired shots at the 34-year-old Baumann, seriously wounding him. He was taken to hospital and is currently in critical condition.
‘Two suspects, aged 21 and 26, were detained for further questioning while the third one is yet to be arrested. The circumstances are still under investigation and court proceedings are yet to be scheduled.’
The attack follows just days after detective Sibusiso Nonjezi was hijacked from his state vehicle and shot in Nyanga.
On Thursday, Atlantis officer Sergeant Adrian Mahoney (44) was killed in Mamre while he and his partner responded to a report of a domestic dispute.
According to the SAPS, Mahoney was shot when the suspect got hold of his firearm during an altercation.
As reported by IOL, Provincial Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile activated all available resources to find the suspect. ‘SAPS will not tolerate shooting of its members. We will use all our resources to track down the perpetrators, like we did with the shooting of our Atlantis officer and the same stance will be followed with others.’
According to the Western Cape MEC of community safety and police oversight, Reagen Allen, the shootings represent how criminals disregard law enforcement.
‘I wish the officer a speedy recovery. Criminals are becoming brazen. This is part of the reason why those who attack law enforcement officers should be charged as one who is attacking the state.’
‘The two individuals currently being questioned should assist SAPS to ensure the third person is also apprehended.’
Also read:
SAPS officer killed in Atlantis, manhunt launched for suspect
Picture: ER Lombard / Gallo Images