A routine stop-and-search operation in Umbumbulu took a dramatic turn when two police officers were disarmed and robbed of their vehicle by armed suspects earlier today.
Umbumbulu police disarmed of service pistols and vehicle in brazen robbery
According to reports, the incident occurred when two police officers stopped a suspicious VW Polo during a standard operation.
The officers were quickly overpowered and disarmed by the suspects, who then hijacked the officers’ vehicle and fled the scene in both the VW Polo and the stolen police car.
Although shots were fired during the altercation, the officers escaped unharmed.
Shortly after the robbery, a security team in the vicinity spotted the stolen police vehicle. Mistaking the suspects for police officers in pursuit of another suspect, the security team attempted to assist. However, the suspects responded by opening fire, injuring a security official.
As the suspects tried to evade capture, additional police officers in the area responded swiftly. A high-speed chase ensued, which ended when the suspects crashed the stolen police vehicle.
Despite the crash, the suspects managed to flee on foot, prompting an immediate and extensive search operation by law enforcement.
A statement from the police is expected soon.
This is a developing story.