Eastern Cape police have condemned an attack on two of its members‚ one of whom was wounded in the incident.

Eastern Cape police spokesman Colonel Sibongile Soci said warrant officers Ewald Els (40) and Jakobus Botha (42) were following up on information about four suspects with firearms in public view in the Port Elizabeth suburb of of Zwide on Thursday evening when they were attacked.

“Police noticed the four suspects on the street and while searching them‚ one suspect drew a firearm and started shooting at the police. Police retaliated and a shootout ensued. Warrant Officer Els was shot in the upper body and has been admitted at the local hospital in a stable condition. WO Botha was unharmed in the shooting‚” Col Soci said.

A 30-year-old suspect was arrested and a firearm recovered. The suspect will appear in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court soon‚ he said.

The three other suspects had fled on foot but police were following up all possible leads and more arrests were imminent.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner‚ Lt Gen Celiwe Binta condemned the attack and called on anyone with information that could lead to the suspects’ arrests to come forward.

“SAPS calls upon law abiding citizens to pledge and demonstrate through actions‚ that as society you shall endeavour to also protect our law enforcement members and officials against criminals‚” she said.