Armed motorist saves metro cop

2005-07-10 22:01

Eduan Roos

Johannesburg - "It's a nice change to be helped by a member of the public rather than sworn at."

This is according to Abram Makgaka, 37, a Johannesburg metro police officer, who was helped by a man from Alberton on Sunday morning when two would-be robbers surprised him while he was on duty.

The Good Samaritan was the only motorist who stopped while Makgaka wrestled with the men.

On Sunday, Makgaka related how he was busy setting up a speed trap on the M2 East near the Cleveland bridge when two armed men confronted him.

"I saw how they crossed the highway and moved toward me. One of the men produced a firearm, cocked it and aimed it at me."

Three years

According to Makgaka, who has been with the metro police for three years, he tried to take the firearm from the man.

"I wrestled with him and we ended up on the ground. His mate took my firearm from its holster on my hip and ran off."

Makgaka said that while he wrestled with the man, several motorists raced by.

"One man stopped and from his car repeatedly told the robber to drop the weapon. He refused, after which the motorist fired two shots at him."

The man, a 35-year-old businessman from Meyersdal in Alberton, hit the robber just above his right buttock.

The would-be robber ran away.

Grateful

"He saved my life and I don't have the words to tell him how grateful I am. He stayed with me at the scene until the other officers arrived," Makgaka said.

Supt Wayne Minnaar, spokesperson for the Johannesburg metro police, said the motorist was on his way to Kempton Park on the East Rand to buy stock and did not want to be named for fear of victimisation.

"He deserves all the praise for his bravery.

"The fact that Makgaka refused to surrender also shows how determined the metro police is to crack down on criminals."

Shortly after the attack, two suspects were arrested.

They will appear in court soon on charges of robbery and attempted murder.

- Beeld