KZN Police Probe Murder Of Presidential Bodyguard Shot In Inanda

KwaZulu-Natal police have launched a murder investigation following the fatal shooting of a presidential protection officer in Inanda, north of Durban. The officer, a sergeant in the VIP Protection Unit, was gunned down while off duty on Tuesday evening.

Shot Outside Local Store While Still in Uniform

According to police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the officer had just signed off duty and stopped at a local tuck shop on Mafukuzela Drive in Newtown C, when he was ambushed by a group of five unknown gunmen.

“The officer, who was attached to the presidential protection services, had just reported off duty when he passed by a tuck shop. Reports indicate that he was accosted by five unknown men who opened fire on him,” said Netshiunda.

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The officer was still in uniform at the time of the attack, underscoring the brazenness of the assailants. His service firearm was also stolen during the shooting.

Police Launch Hunt for Armed Suspects

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that a murder case has been opened and a manhunt is underway to track down the suspects.

“Police in Inanda are investigating a case of murder following an incident in which an off-duty police officer was shot and killed by unknown suspects on Mafukuzela Drive,” Netshiunda added.

Investigators are also working to determine whether the officer was targeted specifically due to his presidential protection role or if the motive was criminal in nature — such as a robbery for his weapon.

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National Security Concerns Heightened

The assassination of an officer within the Presidential Protection Services raises serious national security concerns. The unit is responsible for safeguarding high-profile leaders, including the president, and any attack on its members is treated with the utmost urgency.

No arrests have been made, and the SAPS is calling on members of the public with any information to come forward.

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