EMPD officer shoots dead wanted man

An EMPD member shot dead a man in Etwatwa this afternoon (July 19), after the deceased shot another law enforcement officer in the neck.

Lieut-Col Wilfred Kgasago, EMPD spokesperson, said the incident happened on the corner of Chris Hani Drive and Madikizela Street, at about 3pm.

Kgasago said the EMPD Equestrian Unit members, who were on routine patrol, spotted a suspicious-looking VW Golf 5 in Etwatwa and tried to stop it.

He said the motorist did not stop, which lead to a high speed chase until the driver of the VW Golf was cornered and stopped.

“The aggressive driver wrestled with one of the officers, and in the process, managed to grab the officer’s firearm during which time a shot rang out and the officer suffered a neck wound,” Kgasago said.

“The partner to the shot officer reacted swiftly and managed to shoot the bad guy who subsequently succumbed to his injuries.”

Kgasago said preliminary inspection of the VW Golf points to the vehicle being cloned.

The spokesperson said the suspect, who is a Daveyton resident, is wanted by police for a 2015 hijacking case in the Crystal Park Police Station precinct.

He is also wanted by Dunnottar police for having shot at police officers.

The injured officer was rushed to hospital for treatment.

A case of attempted murder and an inquest docket has been opened.