Durban - Two police officers and a patrol dog were shot and injured in Ntuzuma during a shootout with hijackers, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Monday.
The incident happened at around 9am after police responded to a report of a cigarette delivery truck that was hijacked in the area, Colonel Jay Naicker said in a statement.
The four suspects shot at police when they were spotted in the hijacked vehicle.
A shootout ensued leaving one of the suspects dead and another injured. Two fled on foot and a manhunt was under way to find them.
“The injured constables and police dog, Champ, were taken for treatment. Two firearms were recovered by police during the shootout,” said Naicker.
A case of armed robbery and attempted murder had been opened. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for community safety Willies Mchunu on Monday condemned the shooting.
“I am appalled by the brazenness of the suspects for firing gunshots, in broad daylight at the police in a community with innocent citizens,” he said in a statement.
“However, I am glad that no members of the public were harmed during this incident.”
“We applaud the police officers for their unwavering bravery in this matter,” Mchunu said.
Sapa