File
An Eastern Cape policeman was killed when he and colleagues responded to an armed robbery at a retail store in Ngcobo on Saturday morning.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana identified the deceased as 43-year-old Sergeant Vakele Mjoli.
He said he and three colleagues were part of a crime response team that responded to the emergency call at around 9 am.
Kinana said on arrival Mjoli approached a man dressed in security clothing who directed him to the door.
He said as he proceeded, the man, who was later identified as one of the suspects, opened fire, killing the policeman.
Kinana said when his colleagues advanced towards the store they were also met by a hail of bullets, and in the resultant shootout, two suspects were killed while a 35-year-old Constable was wounded and rushed to hospital.
One suspect was arrested on the scene while two others managed to get away.
Kinana said police recovered two firearms and the getaway car. No money was reported to have been stolen.
Police have opened murder and attempted murder dockets for further investigation.
