Surrey Estate was the scene of chaos late Monday night following a shooting and attempted robbery at a convenience store at the busy Engen petrol station. Armed suspects stormed into the Primrose Supermarket in Surrey Estate on the corner of Comet and Ruimte road and held up staff and customers. Two suspects were allegedly killed and three were arrested when police moved in.

“Last night at around 21:20 police members responded to a business robbery in Surrey Estate Athlone and were confronted by armed robbers as they left the supermarket. During a shoot-out between police and the robbers, a police warrant officer aged 43, and a civilian female were shot and wounded. Both were admitted to hospital in serious but stable conditions,” said Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk.

Two suspects were fatally wounded on the scene, and one suspect died in hospital. Two firearms, a R5 assault rifle and a 9mm Beretta were seized on the scene, as well as two hijacked vehicles. Three or even more suspects managed to flee the scene and are yet to be arrested.

It is alleged that the suspects were kept under surveillance by intelligence and members of the Flying Squad. The bodies of the suspects could be seen strewn in the street, as residents milled around to see what happened.

More than six men were involved in the robbery, some of whom the police continue to search. The suspects fled the scene in two vehicles and they have since been recovered after a police chase.

The police officer was shot in the leg and chest and is critical in hospital. The circumstances of the matter are currently under investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

Anyone with information can contact Manenberg SAPS or Crimestop on 10111. VOC