Suspect shot dead after 'attack on cop'

A ROBBERY suspect was shot dead in Cape St Francis yesterday after he allegedly tried to attack a police officer with a knife.

Police spokesman Warrant Officer Gerda Swart said the shooting occurred just before 1pm shortly after the man, in his 20s, allegedly robbed an elderly woman in the area and fled into the bushes.

While police were searching for him, he stormed out of the bushes and allegedly tried to stab one of the police officers.

Swart said the officer fired once in self-defence, fatally wounding the suspect.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate would investigate the shooting. – Riaan Marais