Cop slain amid spate of Gauteng shootings

POLICE have launched a manhunt after an officer was shot and killed in Soweto on Monday night. His partner escaped unharmed.

Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters said the two officers were on patrol in Kliptown when they stopped a suspicious-looking VW Polo.

“The Polo had six occupants. The unknown suspects allegedly then shot at the police officers. A 33-yearold constable was fatally wounded, while his partner escaped unharmed,” Peters said.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant-General Deliwe de Lange, condemned the continued attacks on and killings of police members, and prom- ised a tireless investigation of “this horrendous act”.

The killers are still at large and police are investigating a case of murder, attempted murder and theft of police firearm.

“Police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help to come forward,” Peters said.

In a separate incident on Monday, several people were injured in a shootout between Joburg metro police department (JMPD) officers and alleged hijackers.

“Two officers and a taxi passenger were injured during a shootout with alleged hijackers on the N1 and again later, in Bramley going towards Alexandra,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele.

“A child and a mother were injured after they were involved in an accident during the shootout,” he said.

The alleged hijackers changed cars during the shootout and escaped, but both vehicles, an Audi Q7 and a VW Golf, were later recovered in Alexandra.

“Two rifles and a pistol were in the two stolen vehicles. No arrests have been made.

“We are asking anyone with information to please come forward,” Makhubele said.

Last week, a JMPD officer was shot and wounded in Ivory Park during a routine stop-and-search operation.

The officer stopped a vehicle with four occupants, and the driver slowed down before shooting at the officer. He was shot in the hand and foot.

The vehicle used in the shooting has since been recovered.

Earlier this month, a police constable was critically wounded after he was shot in the head while trying to pull over a hijacked truck.

In a separate incident this month, two police officers were shot and wounded during a robbery at the opening of the new Springs Mall.

One police officer sustained a gunshot wound on the shoulder while the other sustained a gunshot wound to the hand. @Lanc_02