At approximately 02:02 am members of Reaction Unit South Africa were called out to Kissoon Road in Ottawa – Verulam after receiving reports of multiple gun shots being fired.
Several Reaction Officers were dispatched to the call and upon arrival met with an off duty policeman who claimed that a suspect had attempted to hijack him off his vehicle as he exited a bar on Old Main Road in Ottawa. The SAPS Official claimed that the suspect was an Indian male and he was in possession of a firearm. He further alleged that during the chase the suspect drew the firearm and fired shots in his direction. The policeman then returned fire with his state issued firearm however the suspect managed to evade arrest.
While on patrol in the search of the suspect Reaction Officers were flagged down by a group of individuals who claimed to be friends of the suspects. They explained that their friend was not armed. They alleged that an argument broke out between the policeman and their friend when the Officer drew his firearm and chased him in the direction of Kissoon Road. Reaction Officers managed to tracked their friend to his home on Ramnanan Road.
The 21 year old suffered minor injuries after he was allegedly grazed by three bullets on his elbow, hip and stomach. He confirmed his friends version of events and stated that he fled after he feared that the intoxicated policeman was going to kill him. He was transported to hospital privately for medical attention. RUSA Members proceeded back to the scene however the off duty policeman had already left.
The Verulam SAPS were called to the scene and are investigating further.