Bloemfontein – A police constable, stationed in Bloemspruit in Mangaung, is in critical condition after he was shot and wounded whilst apprehending a suspected fleeing robber, police said on Friday.
Police spokesperson Captain Chaka Marope said initial information was that the 35-year-old constable was with his vehicle crew driving in Kingsway near Waterfront mall in the early morning hours on Thursday when they were stopped by two women who were screaming for help after they had just been robbed of their cellphones by an unknown man.
The constable gave chase and followed the suspect until the suspect jumped into a water canal.
“After a short while the crew member heard gunshots coming from the canal and alerted other units for back up,” Marope said. “Upon the search by the backup team, the member was found lying on the ground with the gunshot wound in the stomach. An ambulance was called and the member taken to MediClinic in a serious condition.”
Marope said an intensive search of the suspect was conducted and the suspect was later found hidden under a bridge in Westburger Street in the CBD.
“He was also found to be in critical condition with gunshot wounds in the stomach and on the left shoulder.”
Police said it was unclear at this stage as to what exactly happened and who shot the suspect who was currently in Pelonomi hospital under the police guard.
A case of attempted murder has been opened for further investigation.
African News Agency (ANA)