A Gqeberha police official is in critical condition in hospital after he sustained a gunshot wound to his hand while being severely assaulted, allegedly by community members in Bethelsdorp on Saturday.
Spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu says the Constable, who was off duty at the time, responded to a shooting incident with his colleague in Klaasen Street in the afternoon.
She says they chased after one person who was seen running with a firearm but he tossed it during the chase.
Colonel Naidu says one officer stayed behind to secure the gun while the other continued in his pursuit of the suspect.
She says the community became unruly and violent and the police official chasing the suspect was later found in a yard in Esterhuizen Street, with a gunshot to his hand and severely assaulted.
Backup was requested and the Constable was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
Police are investigating a case of attempted murder and an enquiry was opened in relation to the recovered firearm.
