Man shoots cop and patients at hospital
MAYHEM broke out at a Cape Town hospital on Saturday night when a man disarmed a police officer, and shot him in the head before shooting and killing two patients.
The incident occurred at the Somerset Hospital. The 32-year-old officer, from Sea Point police station, was taking a suspect to hospital for treatment at the time.
The police said yesterday that the police officer had died as a result of his injuries.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said: “The officer had taken a suspect, 35, to Somerset hospital for medical attention when a man in the ward grabbed the firearm from a police official and shot him in the head.
“The man then shot two patients who were in close proximity. Both died on the scene.
“SAPS officials on the scene subsequently disarmed the perpetrator and arrested him.
Shortly after the incident, Premier Alan Winde said he had rushed to the hospital.
“I’m deeply unsettled about this unfortunate incident. I condemn this to the fullest,” he said adding that one life lost was one too many.
MEC for Community Safety and Police Oversight Reagan Allan also decried the incident.
“I condemn (Saturday’s) shooting that occurred (at) the Somerset Hospital, in the strongest possible terms,” he said.
“The disregard for life is deplorable. It is gut wrenching that an officer should lose his life in this manner. When criminals attack the police, they directly attack the democratic state and this cannot become the norm.”
Allan said it is further unacceptable that the incident happened in a place where the most vulnerable go to be assisted.
“I’d like to express my heartfelt condolences to the families and all loved ones who have been affected by this hideous crime.
“I hope to visit the families as soon as they’ve been informed. It’s awful and heartbreaking.”
Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile said that the matter was receiving his undivided attention.
The Western Cape Department of Health confirmed the alleged shooter was getting ready to be discharged when he got into an altercation with the police officer.