Bulletproof vest saves policeman

A PORT Elizabeth policeman had a narrow escape when he was shot in the back during a gunfight with suspected gangsters in the northern areas, but was protected by a bulletproof vest.

The 27-year-old constable – who is attached to the Visible Gang Intervention Unit (VGIT) – was patrolling the Barcelona area in Helenvale at about 8pm on Wednesday when the shootout occurred.

Police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu said that while on patrol, the constable and his 41-year-old constable partner, had stumbled onto a group of armed gangsters.

The officers are not being named for their protection.

“The members noticed a group of six to seven men congregating in Bramlin-Markman Street in Helenvale,” Naidu said.

“As they alighted from their vehicle, shots were fired at them. A bullet struck a constable in his back. The bulletproof vest saved him from serious injury or even death.”

Naidu said the constables had returned fire and the men had fled into a nearby bushy open field.

“They managed to escape despite an extensive search of the bush,” she said.

“During the shooting, a bullet also struck the police vehicle.”

Cases of attempted murder of police officers and damage to a police vehicle are being investigated.