News24 reports that three officers from the Parys crime prevention unit were in pursuit of suspects thought to be involved in truck hijackings in the early hours of Friday morning. 

They were patrolling the N1 and R59 routes as part of a routine operation when they spotted a "suspicious" vehicle. 

Upon questioning, the driver admitted that he and three other suspects were targeting trucks transporting tyres. 

When they arrived, one attacked a police official with an iron rod and the other two fled. 

The officer, who had been attacked, then fired at the fleeing suspects with an R5 rifle. 

It was later discovered that 41-year-old Simon Nkala was shot in both thighs. He later died in a Sasolburg hospital. 

The suspects were arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen property.

News24.com