Cape Town - A Western Cape traffic officer was shot and wounded by two male suspects, MEC for Transport and Public Works Donald Grant said on Tuesday.
Inspector Natasha van Roon was attacked on Monday evening while she was in her car which was parked on the N7, between the Caltex Refinery and Du Noon, in the direction of Malmesbury, Grant said in a statement.
Grant said: “We condemn such vicious attacks on any law enforcement officers in the strongest terms. This shooting was an unconscionable act of violence, not just against Inspector van Roon, but against law and order and the values that underpin our democracy. We must do all we can to send a strong message to those who take up arms, in criminal acts of violence against our law enforcement officers.”
He said the suspects were said to have approached her vehicle, before proceeding to knock on the window of the vehicle supposedly get her attention.
“One of the assailants then opened fire on the vehicle, while Inspector van Roon was still inside.”
Grant said Van Roon was wounded in the arm, and the suspects fled the scene with her firearm and two fully loaded magazines.
She was later treated at the Milnerton Medi-Clinic, then discharged.
Grant added that his department would work closely with the SA Police Service to ensure that the attackers were brought to justice.
“Officials such as Inspector van Roon are doing their duty in trying to ensure the safety of our road users. This attack shows the extent to which criminals will go in order to prevent this,” said Grant.
ANA