Sandton shooting: SAPS officer killed in daylight robbery [video]

The victim died on the way to hospital.

By / / Crime
sandton shooting

Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that took place at a busy intersection on Katherine and 5th Street, in Sandton, on Thursday afternoon.

UPDATE: SAPS released this statement following the report of the Sandton shooting, and confirmed that the victim was Sergeant David Tsedu. Read the full statement below:

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Khehla John Sitole has directed the Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela to implement the 72-hour activation plan following a shooting that led to the death of an on-duty police officer in Sandton.

This incident occurred on today at about 11:00.

The police officer, identified as Sergeant David Tsedu, who was stationed at the City Deep Port of Entry, was driving along Katherine Street in Sandown when he was gunned down by a group of suspects. The suspects are alleged to have robbed the member of his service pistol and other items before fleeing the scene in a getaway vehicle.

The member was taken to a nearby hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries upon arrival.

General Sitole has condemned the attack and sent his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sergeant Tsedu.

“The motive for the incident is the central focus of our investigation. We will not rest until those who are behind this brazen attack have been apprehended”, said General Sitole.

The SAPS is appealing to motorists and other eye witnesses to come forward and assist investigations by calling the Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or downloading the MySAPS App on any smart phone. Callers are reminded that they may remain anonymous and all information will be treated with strictest confidence.

Sandton shooting: Victim dies on the way to hospital

Employees in the area watched in horror as two men jumped out of a Carolina blue Toyota Corolla with weapons drawn and accosted occupants of a white Volkswagen Polo.

A struggle between one of the armed gunmen and a passenger ended in gunfire, with the victim struck multiple times by what eyewitnesses believe was a semi-automatic rifle.

The unknown robbers removed a bag from the VW Polo and ran back into the Toyota Corolla which sped off into the direction of the M1 highway.

Here is the video footage of the ordeal that was captured by workers who witnessed the horrific incident:

Details around the incident are still murky at this stage, and despite our best attempts, we were unable to reach Gauteng police for comment. However, according to renowned crime reporter Yusuf Abramjee, the unidentified passenger of the VW Polo died on the way to a nearby hospital.

Authorities are in search of a Caroline blue Toyota Corolla with no registration plates.

This is a developing story.