"The officers were on a routine patrol, then unfortunately this group of guys had just stolen money and cellphones at an Edgars store," spokesperson Captain Paul Ramaloko said.

The two cars met head-on and the officer, who was in the driver's seat, got out of his car. Just as he stepped out, one of the robbers in the getaway car shot him once in the head, Ramoloko said.

"He fell to the ground immediately and they just drove off."

Another officer, who was in the car as well, was not injured.

Although the group of men was still at large, Ramoloko said they had positive leads.

The South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in the North West has condemned the officer's killing.

"We urge authorities to step up crime prevention operations and to adopt zero tolerance towards opportunistic [criminals] threatening our communities," provincial chairperson Paul Sebegoe said.

He urged communities to be more vigilant as there was an increase of business robberies ahead of the festive season.

-News24.com