Cape Town - Mitchells Plain police are investigating two attempted murders on officers following a shooting incident this morning in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain.
According to Provincial police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk, said a 29 year old on duty Constable attached to Mitchells Plain SAPS Crime Prevention Unit was injured as the suspect was resisting arrest for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
“Mitchells Plain police are investigating two attempted murders, attack on police, resisting arrest, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition cases, after a shooting incident that took place this morning in front of a premises in Blaauwberg Street, Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain.
“A 22 year old suspect was arrested and is currently under police guard at a nearby hospital. He will appear in court once discharged from hospital. A 9mm firearm and ammunition were seized and investigations continue,” said Van Wyk
Mitchells Plain CPF chairperson, Norman Jantjies, said there was grave concern about the ongoing gang violence in the community, and called on parents to take greater responsibility for the behaviour of their children.
“We wish the police officer a speedy recovery as police agencies and community members are putting their lives on the line in trying to reduce the crime levels, especially gang related crimes and we need to support them .We need more resources for SAPS, eg more boots on the ground, police officers, police reservists, etc.
“We also need more LEAP officers and metro police in the area. We initially had more than 60 LEAP officers but this number has been reduced. They're also not in the area on a daily basis. The cameras and number plate recognition technology also needs to be rolled out in the hotspots. Parents should also take greater responsibility for the behaviour of their children. We hope that the perpetrators will be convicted so that it can serve as a deterrent,” said Jantjies.