The police have launched a manhunt for unknown men who shot and killed a Benoni Flying Squad warrant officer and wounded a constable just after the N12 Etwatwa off-ramp last night.

According to the Gauteng Police spokeswoman Colonel Atlenda Mathe, at about 19:40 when officers were patrolling the N12 highway they spotted a state vehicle parked along the highway 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 hospital for medical care

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

Mathe adds that the pair were conducting their crime prevention duties when they were attacked.

The Benoni City Times arrived on the scene just after 22:00 and found the body of the slain officer laying on the road next to the police vehicle.

“The SAPS is calling on the public to come forward with information to assist investigations. While this latest attack is seen as an attack on the authority of the state, the SAPS assure the nation that we have mobilised all resources to track down those who are responsible for this senseless deed.

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

Anyone with information that may help the police with their investigations is urged to report at the nearest police station or call the Crime Stop Hotline number on 08600 10111 or download the MYSAPS APP.