A National Traffic Police officer has died and another is recovering in hospital after a brutal attack while the two were on duty in Joburg.
“The attack took place in the early hours of this (Sunday) morning when the officers, who were on duty near Diepsloot in Johannesburg, went to get food at a nearby filling station,” according to Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) spokesperson Simon Zwane.
It is believed that a crime was in progress when the officers unknowingly drove into the filling station.
“They came under fire from the criminals and one was fatally wounded and died on the scene,” said Zwane.
“A colleague suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to hospital where he is in critical condition.”
“The RTMC is deeply saddened by the tragic event and sends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased officer. We pray for the speedy and full recovery of the injured officer.”
The RTMC, according to Zwane, would give psychosocial help to affected families.
“Counselling will also be extended to other National Traffic Police officers as well,” he added.
Coincidentally, the two police officers were attacked on the same day that President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to head the annual South African Police Service (SAPS) national memorial day in Pretoria.
Ramaphosa attended the annual remembrance of police officers and reservists who died in the course of duty at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
