A gun jams as driver tries to shot traffic officer in the North West

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The police in Phokeng North West have confirmed the arrest of a 47 years old man on Friday, 23 July 2021.

It is said according to the police that the suspect was arrested for attempted murder, pointing of firearm and illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

He allegedly attempted to shoot and kill a traffic officer.

Captain Aafje Botma said that the reports suggest that two traffic officers were on duty with a marked vehicle when they stopped a Toyota Corolla on the R565 road in Boshoek outside Phokeng.

The driver was stopped because he failed to obey a stop sign. After stopping next to the road, the driver got out of the car and approached the traffic officers and apologised.

“The other traffic officer went to the vehicle where three other occupants were still seated. He then spotted a firearm in the vehicle and went back to alert his colleague. The suspect who apparently overheard the conversation, pulled a pistol from his waist and attempted to shoot the traffic officers, but the firearm jammed.”

“Upon noticing what was happening, the traffic officer’s colleague allegedly fired a shot, hitting the suspect on the upper body. Consequently, the wounded suspect and his three passengers ran away in different directions.”

Botma added that the wounded suspect fell on the ground a few metres away from the scene shortly after being shot.

He was then arrested after the police were summoned to the scene and was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.

“Upon processing the scene, the police found and confiscated three pistols, a shot gun and live ammunition. Meanwhile, a manhunt has been launched for the remaining three suspects. The arrested suspect is expected to appear in court soon” said Botma.