On Friday afternoon 29 January 2021, members of Maitland Flying Squad received information about a hijacked vehicle in Athlone area. Members saw the vehicle in a parking area. As the members were waiting for backup, the suspects noticed police started to shoot at members with automatic rifles. One of the SAPS members was wounded in the leg and is recovering in hospital.
The suspects fled in another vehicle that was recovered later. An AK47 rifle was also found in the vehicle. No arrests were made as yet. Police investigations continue.
The Western Cape Provincial management commended the commitment of the members to bring the perpetrators to book and for removing unlicensed firearms and ammunition from the streets.
