A 29-year-old police officer was tragically shot and killed in Gqeberha while attempting to assist a stranded motorist on Tuesday evening.
The incident occurred around 5:30 PM in Kobus Road, Helensvale, as two officers on routine patrol in Gelvandale stopped to help a vehicle that appeared to be experiencing mechanical issues.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa stated that three residents joined the officers in trying to start the vehicle. While the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation, the tragic event has sent shockwaves through the community.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspect(s) involved and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. This incident highlights the dangers police officers face daily, even while performing acts of service to the public.
“The driver heard a shot being fired, and on inspection, he discovered that the Constable had been shot in the head. He was taken to hospital where he later died.”
“The firearm of the deceased constable was also missing. An investigation is underway, and no arrests have been made. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has taken over the case for further investigation,” Mawisa said.
Mawisa said the provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene and her management mourned the officer’s death.
“The provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene strongly condemns the recent killing of a Police Constable by the perpetrators while he was committed to ensuring safety for all.
“She is calling upon the public to come with information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” Mawisa said.
The South Africa Police Service (Saps) continues to lose members, with at least 17 officers killed between July and September 2024.
Police minister Senzo Mchunu revealed this during the presentation of the second quarter crime statistics in Parktown in November last year.
“We have been exploring the possibility of how the police service can assist families with civil claims against those responsible for the murder of police officers.”
Earlier this week, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) confirmed the death of one of its officers
32-year-old Khensani Mabaso who was on duty at the time of the incident, was found at her family home in Diepkloof, Soweto, dressed in full uniform with gunshot wounds.
