Shots fired after attempted hijacking of EMPD officer

Three men exchanged fire with an off-duty EMPD officer during an attempted hijacking last night (November 17).

The incident occurred on Victoria Avenue, Benoni CBD, at around 8pm.

According to Ekurhuleni Central Cluster spokesperson, Const Zunickha Essakjee, three men in a black Volkswagen Polo stopped their vehicle next to a Mercedes that was driven by the officer.

“The driver of the Volkswagen Polo pointed his firearm at the officer, while the other men demanded the car keys,” said Essakjee.

“The officer took out his firearm and shots were fired between the would-be hijackers and the officer.”

Essakjee added that an Actonville SAPS detective, who was passing by, saw what was happening and tried to assist.

“The three men drove off – the detective and the officer followed the men all the way to Northmead, where the hijackers stopped their vehicle,” said Essakjee.

“When the detective and the officer tried to arrest them, two of the suspects fled on foot, while the other one drove off.”

No injuries were reported.

No arrests have been made.

Police are investigating a case of attempted hijacking.