A Port Elizabeth armed response officer has died after being shot during an armed robbery at a shop on Old Cape Road in Greenbushes on Friday night.
He was identified in a post on Facebook by Nitrous Security as Rodrick Erasmus.
"A day did not go by where 100% was not given from your side. Your loyalty and hard work did not go unnoticed," it said.
Meanwhile, police are hunting for three suspects, said to be in their thirties, who had earlier overpowered the shop owner and a customer before taking cell phones and "other supplies".
Police spokesperson, Captain Johan Rheeder, said the shop owner was able to press the panic button.
He said when the 49-year-old man arrived on the scene he confronted one of the suspects and a struggle ensued.
Rheeder said he was still able to draw his firearm and wound the suspect. However, he said the man's two accomplices turned around and fatally wounded the armed response officer.
Police believe the suspect was seriously wounded as a large amount of blood was found in the bakkie that they fled in and later abandoned.
Rheeder said they are investigating cases of murder, hijacking and business robbery.
Anyone who may know the whereabouts of the suspects, particularly the wounded man, should contact their nearest police station.
(Pic: Facebook Nitrous Security)
