Bester EMS (Supplied)
Police in Gqeberha have launched a manhunt for three suspects who assaulted and disarmed an Atlas security officer before going on a violent crime spree.
A spokesperson for Atlas Ryan Morris said their officer witnessed someone being assaulted on Monday night in Western Road and stopped at the scene to try and assist.
He says when the men spotted the Atlas vehicle they dragged the officer out of his car assaulting him.
CCTV footage of the scene, which has gone viral on social media, shows the brazen suspects fighting the officer on the ground before stealing his gun and bag.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu says the drama all happened at about 8.30 pm on Western Road in Central.
She says about 15 minutes later, two of the suspects confronted two students as they were leaving their flat in Belmont Terrace.
The students were shoved back into their residence and robbed of two laptops and five phones.
Colonel Naidu says one of the victims was also assaulted over the head with the firearm.
She says shortly before 11 pm the men had made their way to a dilapidated building on St Patrick Street in Central, where they demanded money owed to them by two people.
Colonel Naidu says when one of the men, a 29-year-old, did not have any money, he was shot in the buttocks.
She says still with their devious adrenalin flowing, they proceeded to Albany Road where they sent someone to purchase them a bottle of beer.
Colonel Naidu says one of the suspects fired a random shot which killed an unknown person in the street.
Police are now investigating a case of robbery, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, attempted murder and murder.
It is believed that the gun belonging to Atlas was used to commit the crimes.
Atlas Spokesperson Morris says their officer sustained head injuries and is currently in hospital where he is expected to make a full recovery.
Police are following up on possible leads however they are appealing to anyone who can assist them in their investigations to contact SAPS Humewood or Detective Warrant Officer Johan Rubenheimer on 074 430 6048.
