Update: 17 March 3.10pm
Captain Richard Munyai of the Joburg East/West cluster confirmed that at about 12.45pm, police officers received a tip-off about a suspicious vehicle; a white Audi.
Police arrived at the corner of Barry Hertzhog Avenue and Greenhill Road, when a suspect started shooting at them.
“A shootout ensued. The suspects tried to drive off but hit a curb and stopped about 800m further down the road. They then hijacked a red Isuzu,” said Munyai.
While trying to flee, the suspects dropped an AK47 and a pistol, confirmed Munyai.
The Audi was found abandoned. The officers were shot – one in the right hip, and the other in the right hand.
Initial report: 17 March 2.17pm
Two officers from Joburg East cluster have been shot and wounded during a hijacking in the Emmarentia area.
According to a Northcliff Melville Times journalist on the scene, several Johannesburg Metro Police Department vehicles are surrounding the scene.
Brixton Police Spokesperson, Jeanette Backoff has confirmed that police had responded to a hijacking report.
Reports indicate that the suspects, armed with rifles, initially escaped in a white Audi. Further reports indicate that the Audi was then discovered dumped and a second vehicle hijacked.
Strike Force officers on the scene indicated that six suspects hijacked the white Audi, before being confronted by police, where a shootout ensued. Police had reportedly responded after receiving a tip-off about a suspicious vehicle in the area. One officer was shot in the thigh and the other in the arm. Both were transported to hospital.
According to the Strike Force officer, the suspects dropped one handgun and one fully-loaded rifle on the scene.
This is a developing story. More information will be published as soon as it becomes available.
