Police are on the hunt for the killers of metro police officer Errol Ogle who was shot after being caught in the middle of a hijacking while travelling on the M7, south of Durban, near the Hans Dettman off-ramp, yesterday morning.

Ogle, who lived in Wentworth, sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest and died on the scene.

Garrith Jamieson, the spokesperson for ALS Paramedics Medical Services, said paramedics were called to the scene just after 07:00.

“Unfortunately, there was nothing more paramedics could do for the man, and he was declared deceased. At this stage, the details leading up to the shooting are unknown, however, SAPS were in attendance and will be investigating further,” he said.

Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a provincial police spokesperson, said Pinetown police are investigating charges of murder, theft and carjacking.

“It is alleged that a metro police officer, who was on duty, noticed a truck being driven counter-traffic. The officer instructed the truck driver to stop, however, little did he know that a truck hijacking was in progress.

“The suspects who were driving a silver VW Polo had hijacked the truck. The suspects shot and killed the officer. Reports indicate that the suspects took the officer’s vehicle and firearm and fled the scene. The officer’s vehicle was later recovered on Stapleton Road,” he said.

Metro police head and commissioner Sibonelo Mchunu said the incident has sparked an outcry within the unit and over-emphasised the need for protection of the men in blue.

“We are fighting crime through all fronts. We kindly request the public to work with us by reporting crimes, which will aid in reducing the scourge of these killings,” he said.

Mchunu added that the metro police will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of the perpetrators.