The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has launched a full-scale manhunt, following an incident in Lenasia, Gauteng, where an on-duty officer was disarmed of his service weapon.
According to the JMPD, the officer was accosted by multiple male suspects on Thursday while performing official duties in the Lenasia area.
During the encounter, the suspects managed to disarm the officer before fleeing the scene in a getaway vehicle toward the Golden Highway.
No severe physical injuries to the officer have been reported at this stage while medical and wellness support mechanisms have been activated to assist the officer involved.
Surveillance footage from a nearby convenience store captured the moment the three suspects cornered a JMPD officer at gunpoint and a third suspect emerged from inside the shop and searched the officer before the group made off with his service firearm.
The JMPD condemned any attack on law enforcement personnel noting that an “attack on an officer represents a direct threat to the safety of our communities”.
“Dedicated units, in collaboration with law enforcement partners, are actively investigating the matter to recover the weapon and bring those responsible to justice.
“We appeal to members of the public who may have information regarding this incident to report it immediately,” the JMPD said in a statement.
Members of the public who might have information on the incident or have seen what happened can provide information anonymously via the City of Johannesburg Emergency Number at 011 375 5911 or the SAPS Crime Stop at 08600 10111. – SAnews.gov.za
