A 42-year-old Warrant Officer attached to the National Intervention Unit had a narrow escape when he was shot at on Friday morning in Mandela Park in Mthatha.
He was on his way to work at the time.
Police spokesperson Siphokazi Mawisa said the member immediately stopped and returned fire, but the suspect fled on foot.
She said police responded quickly and later arrested the 45-year-old attacker.
Mawisa said the police officer escaped unharmed, but the suspect was wounded and taken to hospital.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene strongly condemned the recent attack of the police officer.
Lt Gen. Mene said she appreciated the efforts by law enforcement officers in ensuring that the perpetrator was swiftly brought t to justice and emphasized that an attack on police officers was an attack on the state and the community at large.
The suspect is due to appear at Mthatha Magistrate Court soon on a charge of attempted murder.
