A metro police officer and young boy were wounded in a shooting in Elsies River.
Image: SAPS
A METRO police officer and young boy were wounded during a shooting when law enforcement agencies swooped on Elsies River as part of their operations to clampdown on ongoing gang violence in the area.
During the volatile scenes, police said their officers were caught in the middle of a shootout between rival gang members after responding to information about a shooting in progress at an address in Leonsdale.
“Some of the suspects started shooting at the police members who had to retaliate. One of the suspects sustained a bullet wound in the left foot but it was unclear whether he was shot by the rival group or police members. The members found 14 9mm rounds of ammunition in his possession. The 35-year-old man was arrested for the illegal possession of ammunition and attempted murder,” said police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana.
The SAPS along with the City’s Metro police then proceeded to a premises in Leeusig Court where they found a Z88 with its serial number filed off, a magazine and three 9mm rounds of ammunition.
Manyana said further investigations indicated that the firearm was reported as stolen at Manenberg SAPS.
“While the members were busy with the search, they heard shots going off outside. When they investigated they found that a Metro Police member was wounded in his left knee and a boy who was playing was also shot and wounded. Both were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment,” she said.
No arrests were made during this incident. Police were investigating a case of attempted murder.
Manyana said the attack has not deterred the province’s law enforcement agencies from their determination to make communities safer.
“Western Cape Law Enforcement members remain faithful in working together with SAPS to ensure safety in our communities by getting rid of prohibited firearms and ammunition through the apprehension of those who find themselves on the wrong side of the law.”
Cape Times