Johannesburg - A policeman was shot and wounded during a high speed car chase with armed robbers east of Johannesburg, Gauteng police said on Sunday.
“A police constable is recovering at the Parkland hospital at the far East Rand after he was shot and wounded in both arms during a high speed chase with armed suspects who robbed the bank in Nigel yesterday after 8am,” said Lt-Col Lungelo Dlamini.
Police seized two getaway vehicles abandoned in Tsakane.
“It is alleged that a group of men wearing balaclavas and overalls surprised the bank staff in Nigel. Although it is unknown how they entered the bank they pointed handguns at bank employees and demanded money.”
Dlamini said an employee was forced to point out the safe. The men stole a box of foreign currency and bank cheques. They then got into their getaway vehicle, a Hyundai, and drove away.
“Police officers who responded to the scene spotted the vehicle, and a high speed chase ensued,” said Dlamini.
A BMW car came up behind the police and several shots were fired at the police vehicle.
“The driver of the police vehicle was shot and wounded in both arms,” said Dlamini.
The men in the BMW and the Hyundai escaped.
The officer who was shot was in a serious but stable condition, said Dlamini.
Sapa