Spent cartridges from a fully automatic battlefield assault rifle were found at the scene of a robbery in Fisantekraal where a Durbanville policeman was shot and wounded.
Two sergeants were patrolling the neighbourhood on Tuesday July 26 when they were alerted to a robbery in progress at the Bafana Bafana shop in Shiraz Ebrahim Street, at around 7.30pm.
The fleeing robbers opened fire on the officers and the patrol vehicle as they arrived on the scene, said Durbanville police spokesman Captain Marchell Rhode.
The sergeant was taken to Durbanville Mediclinic for treatment and was discharged the following day.
“The police vehicle was also damaged in the process with two bullet holes in the cab,” said Captain Rhode.
Police found 9mm and R5 cartridges at the scene.
The R5 is a fully automatic assault rifle which can fire 700 rounds in one minute and has a range of 400m. It is only issued to South African National Defence Force troops and SAPS and Department of Correctional Services officers.
“According to witnesses there were eight suspects robbing the shop, and three of the suspects were armed with firearms. The suspects took cash and cigarettes from the shop,” said Captain Rhode.
The Durbanville Community Police Forum condemned the attack and called on the public to work with law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime and for the creation of safer communities.
“It is reassuring to know that all police standard operating procedures are being followed and the necessary support is provided to our members by our cluster commander Major General Mpumelelo Manci, Durbanville police station commander Colonel Mary Cupido as well as the SAPS Employment Health and Wellness members,” said DCPF chairperson, Denzil Smerdon.
He added: “We also acknowledge our community victim support volunteers for their assistance and guidance to the shift members who are understandably shaken by the events.”
Tygerberg Community Police Board chairperson, Lesley Ashton, said a greater police presence was needed in Fisantekraal.
Ms Ashton said calls had been made in vain for more than 20 years for a police station with sufficient personnel and resources to serve the area.
“The situation is going to be aggravated if the Greenville development with about 18 000 homes or more does not include the service of a police station, making this cluster an eight-stationed cluster instead of seven.”
No arrests have been made at this stage. Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or alternatively the Durbanville station can be contacted at 021 970 3811.
