A 30-year-old Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer is in hospital after being shot by suspects at Lillian Ngoyi and Nugget Streets, in the Johannesburg CBD.
“Officers were responding to an armed robbery complaint at a restaurant on Lillian Ngoyi and Nugget Streets when suspects started shooting at them and a shootout ensued,” said JMPD Spokesperson Xolani Fihla on Tuesday.”
“One JMPD officer was shot.”
The officer, who was shot in the right thigh, was taken to hospital. He will undergo surgery to remove the bullet.
“A manhunt began in the vicinity where the officer was shot. Two male suspects were apprehended after a search at a dilapidated building at the corner of Nugget and Rahima Moosa Streets,” said Fihla.
“Two firearms with live ammunition, a knife, and a cellphone were found in their possession.
“Two other suspects are on the run and it is suspected that one of those suspects was shot, as officers found a face mask with blood on it near the scene of the shooting.”
Fihla said after the shooting a man thought to be a restaurant customer was found dead.
“A deceased security guard was also found at Mooi and Lillian Ngoyi streets, near the scene of the shooting,” said Fihla.
“It has not yet been confirmed that his death is linked to the armed robbery.”
This was the second JMPD officer shot in as many days.
The other JMPD officer was shot on Monday when police intercepted cash in transit heist suspects in Rosettenville.
“Both officers are in a stable condition,” said Fihla.
“The suspects will be charged with murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. An inquest docket of murder will also be opened for the death of the security guard,” said Fihla.
JMPD Acting Chief of Police Angie Mokasi strongly condemns the shootings and commends officers for their swift response in arresting the two suspects.
