The men, between the ages of 30 and 40 years old, were being arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition when the incident took place, on Tuesday, February 10.
“Members were busy with patrols when they noticed a white Toyota Avanza with three men inside,” said Lieut Nomsa Sekele, Benoni SAPS spokesperson.
“They stopped to search the vehicle and found a 9mm pistol under the seat and a SAR 223 rifle under the back seat,” she said.
One of the men jumped out of the vehicle and tried to disarm the constable and, as a result, two shots were fired.
One bullet hit the suspect in the lower body.
“The second man ran away, while the third also tried to disarm the constable and bit her on her cheek.
She screamed and another police officer assisted her, when the man was already on the ground,” said Sekele.
The wounded man was taken to hospital under police guard and the second suspect was detained at Etwatwa Police Station.
“Police are looking for the third man and anyone with information that might lead to his arrest can contact the Etwatwa police on 011 7468 900,” Sekele added.
Both firearms have case numbers and were stolen during robberies; the 9mm pistol is from Putfontein and the rifle from Daveyton.
The incident is still being investigated and the men will appear in the Benoni Magistrate Court soon.
