A Durban policeman failed in his attempt to save his son, who was killed during a home invasion.
The suspected house robber was also killed, after he stabbed the policeman’s son in their home in Newlands West in the early hours of Tuesday.
Police spokeswoman Thembeka Mbele said the policeman was woken by the screams of his 22-year-old son at about 3am.
“He discovered that his son was in an altercation with the suspect and bleeding.”
The officer got his firearm and he and his son tried to wrestle a knife from the intruder.
Police said the alleged robber then drew a firearm, which was later discovered to have been a toy, and the officer shot the man in the stomach.
The man died at the scene.
Mbele said the officer’s son was rushed to hospital but died as a result of his stab injuries.
Police said it was discovered afterwards that a hi-fi and several cellphones had been stolen from the home.
A case of murder and house robbery were being investigated and an inquest would be opened. – Mercury Reporter