Pretoria: 17 July 2023 - The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola has commended the vigilance of an on-duty police officer for foiling an attempt to access an SAPS building in Pretoria on Sunday evening.
General Masemola has also visited the member in hospital after he was shot and wounded during a confrontation with at least twelve armed men.
The motive behind the attempt to access the building is currently under investigation.
A case of business robbery, attempted murder, malicious damage to property and impersonating a police officer has been registered.
A manhunt is underway to apprehend those behind this incident.
According to a preliminary investigation, the armed men posed as police officers before overpowering the security guards. During patrolling, an on-duty police officer responded to the incident and a shoot out ensued. The armed men fled the scene with the members service pistol, car keys, a petrol card and R145 in cash.
The SAPS is not at liberty to discuss what is stored or kept at the building for security reasons.
The SAPS also takes this opportunity to caution members of the public from circulating false and misleading reports about the incident. No police uniforms were stolen during the incident.
R25 million has been set aside this financial year for security upgrades at all SAPS buildings.