Boy and Metro police officer injured following crossfire in Elsies River

A boy as well as a metro police officer were left injured following a shooting incident between rival gang members, in Leonsdale in Elsies River, on Thursday afternoon

The police’s Aneliswe Manyana said some of the suspects started shooting at the police members who retaliated. She said one of the alleged gangsters sustained a bullet wound in the left foot but it was unclear whether he was shot by the rival group or police officers.

‘’At about 17:30 members of Anti-Gang Unit, Elsies River Crime Prevention Unit and Metro Police followed up information on possible shooters and firearms at a premises in Caledon Court, Clarke Estate. The members proceeded to the mentioned address where they searched and found a Norico 9mm pistol and 14 9mm rounds of ammunition. A 29 year old man was subsequently arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.’’

‘’While the members were on the scene they received information about a shooting in progress at an address in Leonsdale. The members quickly responded to the mentioned address where they found themselves in the middle of a shootout between rival gang members. Some of the suspects started shooting at the police members who had to retaliate. One of the suspects sustained a bullet wound in the left foot but it was unclear whether he was shot by the rival group or police members. The members found 14 9mm round of ammunition in his possession. The 35 year old man was arrested for the illegal possession of ammunition and attempted murder.’’

‘’The members continued with patrols in the area to ensure the area stabilises when they received information of a firearm. The members proceeded to a premises in Leeusig Court where they found a Z88 with its serial number filled off, a magazine and three 9mm rounds of ammunition. Further investigations indicated that the firearm was reported as stolen at Manenberg SAPS,’’ added Manyana.

The police spokesperson said whilst officers were busy with the search, they heard shots went off outside.

‘’When they investigated they found that a Metro Police member was wounded in his left knee and a boy who was playing was also shot and wounded.  Both were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The arrested suspects will soon appear in the Athlone and Goodwood Magistrates’ courts on the respective charges.’’

Metro Police confirmed that one of their officers was shot and wounded during an altercation in Elsies River

‘’A group of community members became unruly and started throwing stones at the officers. Someone then opened fire on the officers, hitting one of them in the leg. He has received medical treatment and has since been discharged from hospital. No arrests were made during this incident - a case of attempted murder has been opened at Elsies River SAPS for further investigation,’’ said Superintendent Ruth Solomons, Metro police spokesperson.

COURTESY: Metro police

 

Done by: Mitchum George