Cape Town - A police captain and well known gospel singer has been shot and wounded in a cowardly attack right outside his home.
Alban Petersen, 48, was leaving for work when he was attacked in Montevideo on Wednesday morning.
Petersen was shot from behind as he was locking his gate while a colleague was waiting for him in a car.
The father of two, who was unarmed at the time, bravely fought off his two attackers, who were believed to have been targeting him for his service pistol.
A police source says Petersen’s colleague tried to assist but the suspects ran off.
“As he was leaving his house the two suspects came and shot at him,” the cop says.
“He managed to fight back and during the time his colleague also got out of the car to help.
“When [the suspects] realised they were being overpowered, they jumped over a wall and ran away.
“They left a firearm and cellphone behind,” the cop adds.
Neighbour Craig Jacobs, 45, says he heard screams outside his home and when he looked out, saw Petersen fighting with the armed man.
“I went into my lounge and when I looked out the window I saw Alban struggling with a guy.
“As I went out to help I heard a shot go off.
“I didn’t know who was shot but I only saw the blood.
“Later the guy fled. I didn’t see the other suspect, he must have fled before the other one.”
Police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk could not confirm the motive for the attack.
Van Wyk says: “The circumstances surrounding an attempted murder are being investigated after a 48-year-old police officer was shot and wounded [Wednesday] at around 6.50am.
“The police officer was off duty at the time of the incident and dressed in police uniform when he was attacked by two armed suspects who fled the scene without their firearm.
“The motive for the attack is unknown and the suspects are yet to be arrested.
“The victim was admitted to hospital.”
Petersen, a member of the police band, has already released 10 gospel albums.
Daily Voice