Cop killed during robbery

2008-04-07 20:03

Durban - Pietermaritzburg police launched a hunt on Monday for four men who shot and killed a policeman during a house robbery, police said.

Superintendent Henry Budhram said a second person was wounded during the incident in the Imbali area.

It is alleged that a house robbery was in progress at 21:00 on Sunday when a neighbour - who is a policeman - intervened.

Budhram said on arrival, Constable Dumisani Majola saw the four men attacking the home owner with knives.

"Constable Majola attempted to stop the men. They lunged towards him. He immediately drew his firearm and fired two warning shots in the air," said Budhram.

The policeman then lost his balance, fell to the ground and his firearm flew away from his hand.

"One of the suspects grabbed the firearm and fired at him, seriously wounding him."

Majola died at Edendale Hospital on Monday.

A second person, who was also shot, was treated at hospital and discharged.

Majola was stationed at the Richmond police station for the past five years.

Police said the robbers escaped with Majola's firearm and were still at large.

- SAPA