By Neelam Rahim

The police have chased unknown men who shot and killed a Benoni Flying Squad warrant officer and wounded a constable just after the N12 Etwatwa offramp last night.

The two police officers had responded to complaints of a truck believed to be hijacked on the N12. 

According to the Gauteng Police spokeswoman Colonel Atlenda Mathe, at about 19:40, when officers patrolled the N12 highway, they spotted a state vehicle parked along the route between Delmas and Daveyton.

“They found the 53-year-old warrant officer deceased with gunshot wounds on his upper body. His colleague was found in a nearby bush in an unconscious state.”

Mathe says the 33-year-old constable was airlifted to the hospital for medical care.

The deceased warrant officer’s firearm and handcuffs were missing.

Mathe adds that the pair conducted their crime prevention duties when attacked.

“The management of the SAPS have since sent their condolences to the warrant officer’s family, friends and colleagues and wished the constable a speedy recovery,” says Mathe.

The police have launched a manhunt investigating murder and attempted murder cases.

According to a police report, the officer in critical condition was shot in the face, shoulder, upper arm and wrist, as per News24.

Police offered their condolences to the family of the deceased officer.