In a significant breakthrough, the police have apprehended two individuals in connection with the shooting of Constable Ashley Baumann, a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS), in Kensington.
The incident took place in the early hours of Monday morning, leaving the officer critically injured. A 30-year-old man surrendered himself to the police two days after the shooting, while another man, aged 41, was arrested for possessing the alleged firearm used in the attack.
According to Captain FC Van Wyk, a police spokesperson, the 30-year-old suspect turned himself in at around 8:30 PM at the Maitland SAPS accompanied by his lawyer. He was taken into custody in relation to the attempted murder of a SAPS member in Kensington.
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Meanwhile, the firearm believed to be the weapon used in the shooting was discovered at a premises on William Taylor Street, Bellville South.
The Anti-Gang Unit, acting on information about the firearm’s location, made the discovery. As a result, the 41-year-old suspect was arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The recent attacks on first-line responders, including police officers, have drawn widespread condemnation. Cheslyn Steenberg, a local councillor, expressed his deep concern over these deplorable incidents.
He highlighted a previous attack on a Metro Police officer who was targeted while on his way home. Criminals seem to be specifically targeting law enforcement officials, as they are well aware of the recent developments within the safety and security sector. Steenberg pointed out that officers have been stripped of their official vehicles, making uniformed officers more vulnerable and easier targets.
