POLICE came under attack when they noticed three suspicious-looking males standing at the corner at about 11.30 am in Philippi East .
“As the patrol vehicle approached them, one of the suspects produced a firearm and fired several gunshots at the vehicle. The police members returned fire at the suspect.
“The suspects fled the scene and in the process dropped the firearm. The members chased after the suspect, but they managed to evade arrest and are still at large,” said Police spokesperson FC van Wyk.
Van Wyk said that a 9mm pistol with one blank round was retrieved and handed in at the local police station as an exhibit.
Acting provincial commissioner Thembisile Patekile said: ““Another attack on SAPS members and state property in less than two weeks is a grave concern for SAPS.”
In an unrelated matter, the Philippi East Crime Prevention members were conducting routine patrols in Marikana informal settlement on the same day when they noticed a heavy-duty crane in the area.
“The vehicle was tested and found to be positively stolen on a Lingelethu West case number. Two men aged 30 and 36 were arrested and once charged will appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court for possession of suspected stolen property,” said Van Wyk.
Anyone with information on the identity of the suspects who attacked the police can anonymously contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211.