The City of Cape Town has appealed to the public for information following an incident on Wednesday 3 December, when two traffic officers came under fire while pursuing suspects in Athlone.
According to JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, the officers were patrolling near Athlone Magistrates’ Court when they saw an armed man running towards a vehicle, which then sped away.
A chase ensued through Athlone towards Langa.
As the officers attempted to cut off the vehicle its occupants opened fire, prompting an exchange of gunfire.
The officers were unharmed, although a bullet damaged their vehicle’s fuse box. The suspects escaped.
“We applaud our officers for their bravery and are grateful they were not harmed,” Smith said. “Our Safety and Security Investigations Unit is working closely with SAPS and pursuing all leads.”
The suspects are wanted on charges of attempted murder, reckless and negligent driving, and malicious damage to property.
Smith urged anyone with information to contact the City’s anonymous tip-off line on 0800 11 00 77, or the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700.
“The investigation is ongoing, and it’s too early to comment on any tip-offs.”
He confirmed the officers remained on duty and added the City would provide updates as soon as possible.
In a separate incident on the same day two men were shot dead in an alleged gang-related shooting outside the court, within minutes of each other.
The first victim, a 32-year-old man, was shot by unknown gunmen in a gold Volkswagen while walking to meet friends after being released on R2 000 bail at 13:44. He had appeared in court for possession of drugs.
Six minutes later a 31-year-old court visitor was shot in the face and back while running after hearing the initial gunshots.
Police spokesperson Sgt Zita Norman said the incidents were believed to be gang-related. Athlone police opened murder cases and were seeking suspects in connection with both killings.
The shootings marked the second fatal incident at the court precinct in four months.
On 5 September a man was shot twice in the back and head whil entering the gate leading to the main entrance of Athlone Magistrates’ Court at 09:41.
Following Wednesday’s violence Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais conducted an oversight visit to both the Athlone Magistrates’ Court and Athlone Police Station.
On her visit court personnel confirmed additional security measures had been implemented to strengthen safety in and around the court premises.
ALSO READ: Minister Marais demands urgent court security improvements following fatal Athlone shootings
Marais met with station commander Col Junaid Alcock and his management team, who provided a detailed briefing on the police response. She was informed that security enhancements had been put in place following recent discussions between the Western Cape Government, the Western Cape Judge President and Western Cape police management.
Alcock indicated that an operational plan is now in place following Wednesday’s shooting incident.
While acknowledging the positive progress of the implemented security measures Marais emphasised that further improvements are still required to ensure full safety around the court precinct.
The Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety will continue to engage relevant government departments to address outstanding shortcomings and strengthen long-term security interventions.
Marais has urged the police to implement enhanced security measures across other high-risk areas and will conduct follow-up oversight visits to assess police operations.
“The current status quo of attacks occurring in and around our courts is completely unacceptable,” Marais said. “It demands stronger coordination among police, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the National Prosecuting Authority and Department of Correctional Services to ensure the safety of all who work in, attend or live near our courts.”
