A witness has disputed reports that a car accident sparked the fatal shooting by police of a Kempton Park woman outside the local police station yesterday.

The man, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that a shot was fired at the car of Jeanette Odendaal, 45, before she crashed into the police officer's vehicle: "I heard a gunshot then a loud bang. A tall policeman got out of his car pointing a gun at the driver of a VW Golf."

The man said the officer pulled Odendaal "out of her car and put her on the pavement". Police claim the officer was inside the station when he heard a loud bang.

Police would not allow reporters to view the cars. The officer was arrested and is expected to appear in court tomorrow.