Klerksdorp, North West – A taxi driver was shot and wounded and a police officer was stabbed during an altercation in Klerksdorp, North West police said on Saturday.

“Police are investigating two cases of attempted murder after an argument ensued between a 38-year-old officer and a 37-year-old taxi driver,” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said in a statement.

The taxi driver was allegedly asked to stop after committing a number of traffic offences in full view of the officer, who was on-duty in a marked car.

The driver stopped the car and allegedly had a heated argument with the officer, which led to him taking out a knife and chasing after the officer.

“The taxi driver got to the officer and stabbed him in the back. The officer took out his firearm and shot a warning shot in the air but the driver did not retreat as he advanced to stab him again,” said Ngubane.

The officer then allegedly shot the driver in the chest.

Police arrived on the scene shortly afterwards, and the two were taken to hospitals in the area. – Sapa