LIBODE – Two police officers were brutally killed in the early hours of Friday, 18 September at Ziphunzana location in Libode, near Mthatha, sparking a manhunt by the South African Police Service in the Eastern Cape.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed the incident.

She said the deceased members, aged 51 and 30, are from the National Intervention Unit and the Mthatha Public Policing Unit.

“Their names will be released once next-of-kin notification is completed,” she said. “It is alleged that armed suspects were attacking a spaza shop and demanding money from the shop operator,” she said.

Gantana added that the two members responded to a call for assistance and were later found with gunshot wounds.

“Both their service pistols were missing,” she said. “A cordless grinder used to cut the shop’s burglar door was found at the scene.”

Gantana confirmed that the matter is being investigated as two counts of murder, two counts of robbery of police firearms, and one count of attempted business robbery.

She also confirmed that a multidisciplinary team is on the scene and a 72-hour plan has been activated to trace and arrest the suspects. “Preliminary intelligence is being followed up.”

The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, said, “The brutal murder of our members is an attack on the State, and we will not rest until those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.”

“We send our deepest condolences to their families and colleagues, and we will support them through this difficult time,” said Ncata.

Gantana added that anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. “Information may also be submitted via the MySAPS app, and all information will be treated with confidentiality.”

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