Phoenix gunfight: Audio captures RUSA officer calling for backup after being shot

A radio recording has captured the moment a Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) officer was shot while calling for backup during a gunfight with liquor store robbers in Phoenix, north of Durban, in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The suspects who were travelling in three vehicles allegedly held up a night security guard at a liquor outlet before opening fire on responding officers.

According to RUSA, its officers came under heavy gunfire when they arrived at the scene. One officer sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm.

“The injured officer can be heard calling for backup and relaying information about the suspects before reportedly losing consciousness,” RUSA said.

The radio recording, broadcast on Channel One, captures the exchange of gunfire and the officer’s calls for assistance as the incident unfolded.

RUSA said they gave chase, while paramedics rushed to provide emergency medical assistance to the injured officer, who was reportedly bleeding heavily from his wound.

The officers reportedly took cover and returned fire as the suspects fled. At least two suspects are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.

RUSA said the suspects were believed to be part of a group of approximately 10 armed men allegedly linked to a series of liquor store robberies across Durban this week.

One of the vehicles spotted at the scene was a blue Volkswagen Polo believed to have been used in several liquor store robberies in the area.

According to RUSA, the group allegedly uses tools to remove security barriers and force entry into premises before escaping with large quantities of alcohol within minutes.

The injured officer is in a stable condition, RUSA confirmed.

The whereabouts of the suspects have not been disclosed.