It was a routine traffic stop for Cape Town Traffic Services officer Nizaam Alexander last November.
A driver had attempted to bypass rush-hour traffic by going onto a lane reserved for emergencies.
According to Donald Grant, Minister of Transport and Public Works for the province of Western Cape, a bystander attempted to rob the officer of his firearm. A spokesperson for Grant told Global News this is a common reason for targeting enforcement officers.
In a chilling dash cam video released by the ministry on Thursday, a man approaches Alexander, takes aim, but his gun jams.
READ MORE: Caught on camera: mom thwarts would-be carjacker, while her kids watch
He walks away then reappears, demanding the officer hand over his gun before shooting him in the back when Alexander reached to his side.
The officer took cover behind the car he pulled over and shot back at the fleeing suspect, then ran after him.
Unable to capture the suspect, Alexander returned to the car to finish issuing the traffic ticket to the driver before seeking medical attention.
According to a press release, Alexander was wearing a bullet proof vest, which prevented any serious injuries.
Alexander was recently awarded the city’s Departmental Traffic Officer of the Year Award for 2015.
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