Cape Town - Port Elizabeth police are on the hunt for three suspects after a colleague was shot and wounded in Zwide on Thursday night.
The officers, attached to KwaZakhele police, were following up on reports of suspects walking around with firearms in full view, Colonel Sibongile Soci said in a statement.
The two noticed the four in Ngwekazi Street.
"While searching them, one suspect drew a firearm and started shooting at the police. Police retaliated and a shootout ensued."
Warrant Officer Ewald Els, 40, was shot in the upper body. He was taken to hospital in a stable condition. Warrant Officer Jakobus Botha, 42, was unhurt.
A 30-year-old man was arrested and a gun recovered. His three alleged accomplices ran away. A case of attempted murder was being investigated.
Eastern Cape provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Celiwe Binta condemned the attack.