Two police officers from the Madeira Detective Unit in Mthatha were shot yesterday, 22 April, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape confirmed.
According to Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, they were shot at approximately 16:30 in the New Brighton area in Ngangelizwe while returning home from duty.
“A male police officer and a female police officer were shot while seated in a white Isuzu bakkie outside the residence of the female officer,” she said.
Gantana added that a case of murder and attempted murder has been opened following a shooting incident involving two police officers.
“According to preliminary investigations, a white Volkswagen Polo was seen parked a short distance from the scene about two hours before the attack,” she said. “Two males exited the Polo, approached the Isuzu, and fired multiple shots at both officers. The suspects then fled in the Polo towards the R61 highway in the direction of Port St Johns.”
Gantana added that the deceased police officer sustained gunshot wounds to the upper body and head and died at the scene. “The injured police officer, who managed to call for help despite her injuries, was rushed to hospital by a responding officer and remains in critical condition,” she said.
Gantana noted that the crime scene experts recovered several 9mm cartridge cases at the scene.
“The name of the deceased officer will be released once next-of-kin have been formally notified,” she said.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata expressed sadness at the death and injury of the two officers. “We are devastated by the loss of a dedicated police officer and the critical injury of another who showed extraordinary bravery. I call on anyone with information to come forward so we can bring these cowards to justice,” said Ncata.
Gantana added that the motive for the killing is currently unknown.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about a white Polo seen in the area around the time of the shooting is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or provide information via the MySAPS App.
“All information will be treated confidentially,” she concluded.
