Cape Town traffic officers ambushed in high-speed chase after Athlone court shootings
A patrol vehicle with a bullet hole after traffic officers came under fire while chasing suspects linked to the Athlone court shootings.
Image: Supplied
The City has called on the public to help track down gunmen who opened fire on two Cape Town traffic officers during a high-speed chase linked to Wednesday’s deadly shootings near the Athlone Magistrate’s Court.
The city's Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith said the officers showed exceptional courage under fire. “We applaud the officers for their bravery and are grateful they were not harmed. Our Safety and Security Investigations Unit (SSIU) is working very closely with SAPS on this matter, and pursuing all leads.
The suspects are wanted on charges of attempted murder, reckless and negligent driving and malicious damage to property. We call on anyone with information to call our Anonymous Tip-off line on 0800 11 00 77, or the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.”
His plea comes after a dramatic confrontation in Athlone.
The officers were patrolling when they spotted an armed man sprinting toward a waiting vehicle shortly after the courthouse killings. They moved in, triggering a chase through Athlone towards Langa.
Gunmen opened fire on them. The officers returned fire.
A bullet blew out their patrol vehicle’s fuse box, forcing it to a stop. The suspects got away. The officers were shaken, but unhurt.
Smith said communities now play a crucial role in helping close the net.
The shootout unfolded in the same area where two men were murdered minutes apart on Wednesday afternoon. The first attack happened at 1:45pm, when a 32-year-old man was shot while sitting in a car about 50 metres from Athlone Magistrate’s Court. Five minutes later, a 31-year-old man was gunned down in Kewtown.
Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed two murder dockets. “Preliminary report: Crime scene experts are currently on two scenes near Athlone Magistrate’s court combing the areas for clues.” He added: “The suspect/s fled the scene in an unknown direction. The motive for these attacks forms part of the police investigation.”
An eyewitness said she watched the chaos unfold. “They shot him multiple times and he died, his body was lying on the pavement,” she said. “The other victim tried to run away because he saw everything that happened but they chased him and shot him until he collapsed across the road.”
She said she is still trembling: “It happened so unexpectedly, innocent people could have gotten hurt.”
Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
Cape Argus