Gauteng Department of Community Safety spokesperson Thapelo Moiloa said police arrived and found two males in the bakkie.
The passenger allegedly got out of the vehicle and pointed a firearm at the officers. Police retaliated and the passenger quickly jumped onto the back of the bakkie, before allegedly shooting at the officers. Police returned fire as the driver drove towards oncoming traffic.
The driver was shot, lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree; he was certified dead at the scene by paramedics, but the passenger fled the scene.
Moiloa said an inquest docket has been opened, and Gauteng traffic officers opened a case of attempted murder and possession of a hijacked vehicle.
He also explained that under the Criminal Procedure Act, 51 of 1977 section 49, subsection 182, police have to protect themselves when their lives are in danger. “This comes against the backdrop of law enforcers who are being killed in the line of duty. Law enforcement officers have a right to exercise their right in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, but the act does not say they must shoot at random, law enforcers can only shoot if their lives are in danger,” explained Moiloa.
He emphasised that if the suspects had cooperated with traffic officers, no lives would have been lost. By driving towards oncoming traffic they also put the lives of other motorists in danger, added Moiloa.
Olifantsfontein Police Station spokesperson Constable Mokete Serakwana confirmed that an attempted murder and possession of hijacked motor vehicle cases were opened and police need information on the suspect who is on the run.
Details: Olifantsfontein Police Station 011 316 3010.
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