Two people have been arrested after an off-duty police officer was left in a serious condition when he was shot and robbed of his vehicle in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday.
According to the police, the officer, who is a member of the Empangeni Tactical Response Team, was overpowered by two men while parking his vehicle at a parking lot in the Richards Bay CBD on Sunday evening.
"They overpowered and robbed him of his service pistol as well as his vehicle. Several shots were fired at the police officer by the suspects.
"The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital where he remains in a serious condition. Charges of attempted murder and carjacking were opened for investigation at Richards Bay SAPS," said police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker.
The officer's car was tracked to Melmoth in KwaZulu-Natal. A car chase ensued between police and the suspects which ended in a shootout.
"The suspects lost control of the vehicle and it overturned. Two suspects, aged 23 and 29, were placed under arrest. They were also found in possession of a firearm that was taken from the police officer.
"Charges for possession of stolen property, attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition were opened at Melmoth SAPS," said Naicker.