The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) confirmed on Sunday that one of its national traffic police officers was killed in a brutal attack, with another officer sustaining injuries.
The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday morning when the officers, who were on duty near Diepsloot in Johannesburg, went to collect food from a nearby petrol station.
It is suspected that a crime was in progress when the officers unknowingly drove into the petrol station. The two officers then ended up in a hail of bullets after which one of the officers was fatally wounded and died at the scene and the other officer suffered serious injuries.
He was taken by helicopter to the hospital where he is being treated for his critical injuries.
“The RTMC is deeply saddened by the tragic event and expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the officer who died,” said a statement.
“We pray for the speedy and full recovery of the injured officer.”
