BUTTERWORTH – The East London Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation has launched a manhunt for suspects involved in the fatal shooting of serving police Sergeant Ndodomzi Dion Tengile (42) at Zizamele Township in Butterworth in 2024.
Tengile was attached to Visible Policing at Port St Johns SAPS and was off duty at the time of the incident.
Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the attack occurred during the early hours of 2 February 2024, at approximately 02:05. Preliminary findings indicated that Tengile was travelling with his spouse from Port St Johns to Msobomvu.
“It is alleged that after withdrawing business-related funds from First National Bank (FNB) in Butterworth, the couple returned to their residence at Zizamele Township,” he explained.
Shortly thereafter, while Tengile remained seated inside his motor vehicle, two unidentified armed suspects approached him. “Gunshots were fired, fatally wounding the officer. The suspects allegedly robbed the spouse of cash and personal belongings before fleeing with the deceased’s Toyota Fortuner,” Mhlakuvana said.
A murder case docket was opened, and the matter was handed over to the Hawks for intensive investigation. The vehicle was later recovered abandoned not far from the crime scene.
Mhlakuvana noted that a multidisciplinary team was activated, comprising seasoned detectives, forensic experts, and crime intelligence operatives to ensure the perpetrators are traced and apprehended without delay. However, no arrests have been made at this time, prompting police to seek public assistance.
“The Hawks are appealing to any person who may have witnessed suspicious movements at Zizamele Township during the specific date or observed individuals abandoning or parking the recovered vehicle,” said Mhlakuvana. Police are also seeking information regarding persons suddenly in possession of unexplained cash or firearms, or any knowledge that may assist in identifying the suspects.
Information may be shared anonymously with investigating officers Colonel Raymond Buys (082 301 1135) and Warrant Officer Sandisile Zenzile (082 772 3664), via Crime Stop (08600 10111), or through the MySAPS App. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality, and callers may remain anonymous. The investigation continues with priority status.
