A Mamelodi policewoman is fighting for her life on Sunday night after she was shot while travelling to an anti-crime prayer meeting, said Gauteng police.

Superintendent Eugene Opperman said the 27-year-old student constable stationed at Mamelodi police station was travelling on a train from Mamelodi to Silverton at about 1.40pm when she was attacked by a group of men.

She was on her way to attend a prayer service against crime.

"She was shot in the upper body," said Opperman.

He said the policewoman was in uniform and the men, after shooting her, went through her handbag thinking she had a firearm, which she did not.

"She is now in a local hospital in Pretoria, fighting for her life. She is in a rather critical condition."

Opperman said police had put together a task team to investigate the attack.

No arrests have been made.

The policewoman cannot yet be identified as not all her family have yet been notified.

Sapa