Eastern Cape – Police have launched a manhunt after two officers were shot and killed while responding to a reported attack on a spaza shop in Ziphunzana Location, Libode, near Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape.
The officers, aged 51 and 30, were members of the Mthatha National Intervention Unit and Public Order Policing Unit respectively. Their names will be released once their next of kin have been notified.
According to police, armed suspects were allegedly attacking the spaza shop and demanding money from the operator when the officers responded to a call for assistance early on Friday.
The officers were later found with gunshot wounds. Their service pistols were also missing, while a cordless grinder believed to have been used to cut through the shop’s burglar door was recovered at the scene.
Police are investigating two counts of murder, two counts of attacking police, two counts of robbery of police firearms and one count of attempted business robbery.
A multidisciplinary team has been deployed to the area, with police activating a 72-hour plan to trace and arrest those responsible. Preliminary intelligence is also being followed up.
Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata condemned the killings, describing the deaths as an attack on the state.
“The brutal murder of our members is an attack on the State, and we will not rest until those responsible are arrested and prosecuted,” Ncata said.
He also sent condolences to the officers’ families and colleagues, saying police would support them during the difficult period.
The killings come amid continued concern over attacks on police officers in South Africa, with officers increasingly targeted while responding to criminal incidents.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the nearest police station, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information through the MySAPS app.
Police said all information would be treated confidentially.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
