A Reaction Officer was seriously injured after he was shot by armed robbers on Todd Street in the Verulam CBD.
Members of Reaction Unit South Africa were dispatched to a robbery in progress at a supermarket. Upon arrival the first Reaction Officer parked his response vehicle across the road. As he exited the vehicle he noticed three gunmen in the store.
The RUSA Member was ambushed by a fourth suspect who was outside the business premises. MThe suspect fired a volley of shots one of which struck the Reaction Officer. A bullet which was fired from a high caliber weapon possibly a rifle also struck his response vehicle (picture 2). A large amount of cash was taken by the robbers. A stray bullet struck a stack of energy drinks stored at a salon next to the supermarket.
Back up RUSA Officers returned fire at the robbers who fled the scene on foot and in a red VW Polo. Police who were in the vicinity noticed one of the suspects fleeing down Wick Street in the vicinity of ABSA Bank. The suspect open fire on Police who also returned fire. The injured Reaction Officer has been treated for his injuries and is currently being transported rapidly to hospital by ambulance.
An extensive search is currently being conducted for the robbers by Reaction Officers & members of the South African Police. The public is urged not to approach the suspects as they are extremely dangerous.