Police have condemned a violent attack on a constable outside Delft SAPS in the early hours of Monday morning.
The attack happened at around 2:05 am while the officer was standing outside the Community Service Centre.
According to police, a suspect armed with an axe approached the constable and allegedly struck him on the head.
The officer sustained serious injuries and was taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said the injured constable is in a stable condition.
Warning shots fired as suspects flee
A fellow police officer witnessed the attack and immediately responded.
Police said the officer fired warning shots, causing the suspects to flee the scene.
The suspects abandoned their vehicle and tried to evade arrest.
A coordinated pursuit involving SAPS members and LEAP officers led to the arrest of three suspects.
The arrested suspects are two men, aged 23 and 25, and a 23-year-old woman.
Police also recovered the axe believed to have been used in the attack.
Suspects expected in court
Traut said the suspects had been detained and are expected to appear in court on charges linked to the incident.
“The circumstances surrounding the attack are under investigation,” he said.
Police have not yet released further details about what may have led to the attack.
The incident has again raised concern about attacks on police officers, especially those serving at station level and responding to crime in high-risk communities.
Attack follows Gauteng killings
The Delft attack comes after a Public Order Policing member and a civilian were shot dead in Gauteng on June 1.
The off-duty officer was reportedly at a local supermarket when he was attacked by three unknown men and shot dead.
The suspects then allegedly moved to another street nearby and shot a second victim inside his vehicle.
The latest incidents have placed renewed focus on the risks faced by police officers, both on and off duty.