The names of the three South African Police Service (SAPS) members who died in the Kariega shooting incident have been released after their next-of-kin were notified.

UD Express previously reported that three members of SAPS were reportedly involved in a fatal shooting incident in the early hours of the morning of 7 May in Kariega.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana stated that all three members were declared dead; two at the scene, and the third after being transported to Cuyler Hospital.

“Witnesses reported hearing shots fired, after which all three members sustained fatal injuries,” she said. “A state‑issued firearm was confiscated at the scene, along with 10 live rounds. Ballistic analysis will form part of the ongoing investigation.”

SAPS have identified the members as Constable Riaan Van Heerden (48, man) of the Gqeberha Flying Squad, Constable Stach Janties (22, woman) of the KwaNobuhle SAPS branch and Constable Cerwynn Williams (24, man) of the Kariega SAPS branch.

Gantana added that the circumstances surrounding the incident form part of the ongoing investigation.

“No further information will be shared on this case to protect the integrity of the investigation,” she concluded.

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