A police officer survived a shooting outside his home in Pinetown, KwaZulu Natal, on Wednesday night just after 10 pm. The 35-year-old managed to return fire and injured two suspects, who have since been arrested and are under police guard in hospital.

Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala said the police had just arrived home, getting out of his car to open his gate when he saw a vehicle with four men approaching. "Before he could do anything the men opened fire and he retaliated by firing shots at the suspects, wounding two of them. The suspects were taken to hospital where they are under police guard. They will appear in court once they are discharged from the hospital," Gwala said. She added that the cop was shot in his stomach and arm and was also taken to hospital. A case of attempted murder is being investigated by Pinetown police. Last week, a police officer from Inanda was shot dead at his home in front of his wife by a man who had asked the couple for water.

Last month, police Minister Bheki Cele urged cops to put themselves first when it comes to dealing with merciless criminals. This was during his address at the 10th Popcru National Conference at the Durban ICC. He said KwaZulu-Natal had become a playground for criminals who targeted and claimed the lives of police officers. "When you find a war, you must not ask questions. You must respond first and once the dust has settled, only then can you start to ask questions. These criminals have declared war against the police. Two weeks ago, I was at the funeral of a member of the National Investigative Unit (NIU). He was killed by criminals. The police are mandated to protect citizens and prevent crime, a threat against them is a threat against the safety of all South Africans and a treasonous threat to our constitutional democracy," said Cele.