On-duty traffic officer hijacked, shot

Police are searching for an unknown number of suspects allegedly responsible for hijacking and shooting an on-duty traffic officer outside Thohoyandou on Sunday.
Provincial Police spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe indicated that the 35-year-old officer who cannot be named as he is a witness in the case, was working along the Makonde/Luchimbi road outside Thohoyandou when he pulled a gold-coloured Toyota Corolla off the road. The occupants of the Corolla emerged from the vehicle immediately, pointed firearms at the officer and forced him into their vehicle.
Ngoepe added that the suspects drove to Thate Vondo plantation where they reportedly stripped their victim of his uniform, stole his firearm and other belonging, shot him and fled the scene.
It is believed that a passer-by notified the Police and medical services. Police immediately started investigations which resulted in the discovery of the officer’s abandoned service vehicle at Makonde village. The Corolla used by the thugs was later found elsewhere in the Thate Vondo plantation with the engine still running. A firearm, cell phones and the officer’s uniform were recovered from the vehicle but his firearm is still missing.
The officer is still recuperating from a local hospital. Police are investigating cases of hijacking, kidnapping, attempted murder and armed robbery.
Anyone with information can contact investigating officer James Espach on 082 576 0743 or report to the nearest Police station.

Story & photos: RC Myburgh
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