Cape Town - A City of Cape Town law enforcement officer and the man who allegedly shot him before he returned fire were recovering in hospital on Friday after a shoot-out in Khayeltisha on Thursday.
According to the City's law enforcement principle inspector Wayne Dyason, a member of the Law Enforcement Transport Unit was surrounded by three armed suspects who tried to rob him of his firearm after he had exited his vehicle. Another officer who was inside the vehicle observed this and went to his colleague's aid.
"One of the suspects who was armed saw this and opened fire on the officer getting out of the vehicle, hitting him in the thigh. The wounded officer returned fire and struck his assailant in the stomach and leg," Dyason said.
"The wounded suspect's accomplices fled the scene. It was reported that nearby taxi drivers witnessing the incident also came to the aid of the officers by opening fire on the armed suspect. This is however unconfirmed."
Dyason said a bystander sustained a wound to his nose when he was struck by a bullet during the crossfire.
"The wounded suspect was arrested and he, the officer and the injured bystander was taken to hospital. The suspect is recovering under armed guard. The officer and bystander are also recovering in hospital."