Two members of the police's crime intelligence unit were shot dead in Diepsloot during an investigation on Tuesday, while three other officers were wounded, Gauteng police said.

Senior Superintendent Vishnu Naidoo said the Abraham Sikgwele and three other officers on duty were following up information on a wanted criminal in the Diepsloot area when the shooting happened on Tuesday night.

The group were on foot in the settlement when they were met with heavy gunfire and Sikgewele and a colleague were killed instantly while the other two colleagues escaped with minor injuries, said Naidoo.

"The brutal and callous slaying is met with the strongest condemnation possible."

Acting National Commissioner Tim Williams had sent out a strong message to all policemen and women to stop at nothing to bring this man, who is known to the police, to face justice, said Naidoo.

"This man is dangerous and must be approached cautiously... an earnest appeal is being made to those that know this man to come forward with information of his whereabouts," he said.

Sapa

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