Sgt Solomon Hlengane and Const Evans Matlagane were not just doing their job, but went out of their way and put their lives in danger to assist the community.
On March 3, during their nightshift, just before 11pm, they were patrolling along the N12 highway, heading in the direction of Benoni, when they noticed a white bakkie standing next to the highway.
According to Boksburg North SAPS communications officer Lieut Juanita Coetzer, upon investigating they found that the vehicle had been stolen in Venus Street, Atlasville.
The same night, at about 11.30pm, the same two members were patrolling in Atlas Road, Anderbolt.
“They came across a truck driver who stopped them. He informed them that he was busy off-loading his truck at the company when he was hijacked,” said Coetzer.
They saw the truck driving down the road and gave chase immediately. The vehicle travelled along the N12 highway, towards Benoni and took the Tom Jones off-ramp.
“They chased the truck through Benoni, but the suspects refused to stop,” Coetzer explained.
“On the corner of Pioneer and Snake roads, the suspects shot at the officers. They returned fire, at which point the truck left the road and landed in a ditch.”
The suspects fled into the bushes and got away. No one was injured.
