The Lower Crossroads Community Policing Forum (CPF) has expressed shock and disappointment at the attack on Metro Police and appealed to the government to leave no stone unturned to bring perpetrators to book.
It is alleged that the officers came under attack from criminals on Wednesday 8 March, while on duty at the corner of Rochester and Stock roads. They fled with a firearm and a handheld EPIC device – a device used by Metro Police and other traffic officials to capture information.
Philippi-East Police Station spokesperson Capt Granville Meyer said no arrests have been made. A case of attempted murder and robbery of firearm was opened, he added.
A Lower Crossroads CPF member, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, said no one is safe in the area. She said the rate of crime is “extremely high”.
“We are shocked by the incident. It shows how dangerous the area is. If the criminals can rob the officers, who are we as ordinary citizens,” she said, adding that the culprits deserve to rot in jail.
She described the corner of Rochester and Stock roads as one of the hotspots in the area. She urged the government to deploy more officers in the area.
The City’s Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said the City condemns the attack. “The officers had stopped at the corner of Rochester and Stock roads at around 11:30 to issue a fine for a traffic infringement when two armed suspects accosted them and made off with a firearm and a handheld EPIC device. The suspects opened fire and one of the officers fired off a single shot in response. The officer sustained an injury to his hand and is currently receiving medical treatment,” said Smith.
He said his department will ensure the necessary physical and psychological support to the officers through the City’s employee assistance programme.
Smith said the EPIC device was tracked to a nearby informal settlement and recovered but the attackers are still at large.
“I appeal to the public to help us find the culprits. The City has a dedicated tip-off line where residents can report crime and by-law offences anonymously 24 hours a day on 0800 110077.
A reward of up to R5 000 has been made available to anyone who offers information that could lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of the culprits.