FREE STATE – Two traffic officers kidnapped and one police member injured during a shootout with armed suspects.

According to information on hand, on Wednesday 02 November 2022 at about 11:10, two female traffic officials were allegedly busy on the R103 when they stopped a speeding vehicle.  Two other vehicles came and joined the one stopped.  One officer approached the suspects and was pointed with a firearm and instructed to come near the suspected vehicle. 

The other officer seeing what was happening tried to respond but was also pointed with rifles and instructed to approach the suspects.  Both officers were put in the vehicle and suspects fled the scene with the two traffic officials.

Vrede Stock Theft police reacted swiftly after they received information and came across the three suspicious vehicles and a shootout ensued.  One SAPS member, a female Constable was shot and wounded in the right leg and suspects managed to get in their vehicles and fled the scene.

A lookout was gives and the vehicles were seen heading towards Walkerville in Gauteng.  The two traffic officials were disarmed and dropped in the bushes near Walkerville.  Police were notified of their whereabouts and they were found unharmed.

One Vrede SAPS Stock theft Police vehicle was riddled with bullets. The suspects are at large and were driving in a gold coloured Volvo, white Audi and a grey Toyota Fortuner.  Suspects are armed and dangerous.

Vrede Police are investigating a case of attempted murder and armed robbery.

The Provincial Commissioner added more boots on the ground to work around the clock and not rest until these suspects are brought to book.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the nearest Police Station or call Crime Stop 08600 10111 or submit an anonymous tip on My Saps App.

Source: South African Police Service