'Prevented a dangerous confrontation’ – Durban Metro Police responds after robbery video
Durban Metro Police vehicles are seen near Pinetown Mall, KwaZulu-Natal, where officers were caught on video driving past an armed robbery
Image: Facebook
Durban Metro Police have defended their officers after a viral video shows their officers driving past an armed robbery at Pinetown Mall.
"Their composed response prevented a potentially dangerous confrontation that could have resulted in unneccessary injuries or fatalities," said Durban Metro spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu.
The widely circulated footage shows several heavily armed men dressed in black allegedly robbing occupants of a white vehicle.
More than four suspects can be seen carrying rifles, while shouting is heard in the background as motorists hoot and bystanders question the metro police officers’ response.
It remains unclear how many officers were inside the police vehicle, which continued driving as the incident unfolded. In the video, the armed men point their guns at the police car.
A second clip of the same incident shows two suspects directing the metro police vehicle to leave the scene, again pointing their weapons at it.
The vehicle drives off, and the suspects later climb into the white vehicle and flee.
Durban Metro Police confirmed they were aware of the public sentiment following the incident.
According to metro police, the officers were conducting a routine patrol at the time of the incident.
“It is important to note that no complaint of armed robbery had been reported prior to the ambush,” the department said.
Zungu commended the officers for remaining calm when confronted by heavily armed suspects.
“Their composed response prevented a potentially dangerous confrontation that could have resulted in unnecessary injuries or fatalities,” Zungu said.
He added that the department was grateful no officers or members of the public were harmed.