Manhunt Launched For Suspects Who Ambushed SAPS Vehicles, Killed A Cop And Stealing Firearms

Police in the Eastern Cape have initiated a manhunt for suspects linked to the tragic murder of a police constable on Monday morning in Mbizana.

The harrowing incident occurred at a filling station in the Mbizana Central Business District (CBD), as per the statement released by the police.

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According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, the 35-year-old constable, accompanied by several colleagues, was returning from a crime scene in Ezityatyaneni locality outside Mbizana.

They were traveling in three different vehicles when ambushed by approximately 20 suspects near the filling station. The suspects opened fire on the police vehicles, fatally wounding the constable and injuring other officials.

Following the shootout, the assailants seized police firearms and attempted, but failed, to explode the filling station safe before fleeing the scene.

Cases of murder, attempted murder, and business robbery have been officially opened for investigation. Detectives from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, will be leading the investigation.

Lieutenant Colonel Mawisa mentioned that the identity of the deceased constable would be disclosed once next of kin have been informed.

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Eastern Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene condemned the attack, stating, “The killing of the police official while serving the members of the community undermines the efforts by the state to combat and prevent crime.”

The police are urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in the swift apprehension of the suspects responsible for this heinous act.