…By Roland Peterson for TDPel Media.
Foiled Robbery Attempt
In East London, Eastern Cape, an off-duty police officer successfully prevented a business robbery on Wednesday, June 21.
The incident involved shots being fired during the confrontation.
Off-Duty Sergeant Takes Action
Around 3:30 p.m., two individuals entered a shop located on Terminus Street in East London.
Brandishing a firearm, they targeted the shop owner, demanding the surrender of cellphones.
The suspects also helped themselves to phones on display while the shop assistant managed to escape.
Confrontation and Gunfire
Upon leaving the shop, the robbers encountered an off-duty sergeant from the Public Order Policing (POP) unit.
The suspects pointed their firearm at the officer, ignoring his warning to surrender.
As a result, the sergeant fired two shots, striking the suspects in their upper bodies, according to Colonel Priscilla Naidu.
Arrest and Additional Charges
After apprehending the suspects, the stolen cellphones were found in their possession.
One of the individuals also had approximately 10 mandrax tablets and loose dagga, leading to an additional charge of drug possession.
The suspects, aged 26 and 32, are scheduled to appear in the East London Court soon.