Cape Town - A case of attempted murder and robbery was opened at an Eastern Cape police station after one of their officers was attacked while on duty, police said on Thursday.
“A case of attempted murder and robbery was opened at Mqanduli SAPS,” said provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Khaya Tonjeni. “Members are following all possible leads and an arrest is eminent (sic).”
The 54-year-old Warrant Officer Monwabisi Ndibongo, a member of the Mqanduli South African Police Services (SAPS), was conducting a foot patrol on Wednesday evening when the attack took place.
A grey Isuzu bakkie without a registration number pulled up next to Ndibongo. The suspect, who was the only one occupying the vehicle, jumped out and grabbed Ndibongo’s 9mm service pistol from his holster.
“A brief scuffle ensued during which the suspect got the upper hand over the member and shot him with his own firearm in the upper back,” Tonjeni said .
Fortunately for Ndibongo he was wearing his bullet proof vest, lessening the seriousness of the wound.
However, the suspect managed to flee the scene, making off with Ndibongo’s gun.
Ndibongo is currently in hospital in a stable condition.
ANA