Limpopo police are searching for a suspect who shot and seriously wounded a detective constable in Louis Trichardt in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The 34-year-old policeman was driving along a street in the town with a companion when a car skipped a red traffic light‚ police said.

“The constable pursued the vehicle. It is further alleged that the suspect stopped and started firing shots at the police member and fled from the scene. The vehicle later crashed and the suspect is alleged to have been picked up by an unknown person driving a Ford Ranger.

“The member‚ who was off-duty at the time and driving his private vehicle‚ was taken to hospital for medical treatment. His companion was not injured‚” police said.

The vehicle was searched and a 9mm pistol with serial numbers filed off and one live round of ammunition were found.

“The vehicle was recently reported stolen from the Westenburg policing area. Police investigations continue.”