LEAP officer attacked by Hanover Park residents

A law enforcement officer was injured after being attacked by community members in Hanover Park, on Friday.

According to Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, metro police and law enforcement officers responded to a report of several shots fired at about 9 a.m. When they arrived they saw an armed suspect who fled the scene.

‘’One of the Law Enforcement officers pursued him on foot – the suspect turned around and took aim at the officer, who then reached for his weapon and opened fire.  However, at this point, a group alleged to be gang members, started hurling stones at the officer – he sustained head injuries, and a patrol vehicle too was damaged.’’

Smith says the officer was taken to a medical facility for treatment. It is understood that the firearm used by the suspect was grabbed by bystanders and disposed of.

A resident, who was shot and wounded, has been admitted to hospital. The motive behind the shootings is unclear.

Smith said a similar incident occurred in Ottery where bystanders intervened in criminal activities.

‘’This is completely unacceptable – our staff put their lives on the line daily, in response to the pleas from communities battling with gang-related violence. We cannot allow this open defiance of law and order to continue – the people who aid and abet these criminals are guilty of a criminal offence and should be treated as criminals.’’

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Anroux Marais, condemned the incident.

“The officer was shot by an alleged gang member he was pursuing at the time. He was also stoned by other alleged gang members. I salute the bravery of this LEAP officer and his colleagues. I will visit the wounded officer to personally thank him for his selfless efforts. I also thank the South African Police Service for their support in tackling the current spike in gang-related shootings and violence. This horrific increase has a devastating impact on our communities.’’

She requested any member of the community with information on the incident of LEAP officer Lubabalo Moputjana come forward. Marais was speaking at a community stakeholder engagement in Hanover Park over the weekend.

“If we all work together, we can beat crime, and build safer communities for all our residents. The Western Cape has for many years been short change of SAPS officers.’’

The City of Cape Town is givng a R20 000 reward for any information that will lead to the successful arrest of the perpetrator.

 

Done By: Mitchum George