A murder and attempted murder case has been opened following a brazen shooting that left one police officer dead and another critically injured in Mthatha on Wednesday afternoon.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape confirmed that the incident occurred on 22 April 2026 at about 16:20 in New Brighton, Ngangelizwe. The victims, a male and a female officer attached to the Madeira Detective Unit, were shot while seated in a white Isuzu bakkie outside the female officer’s residence after returning from duty.
Preliminary investigations reveal that a white Volkswagen Polo had been seen parked a short distance from the scene nearly two hours before the attack. Two unknown men allegedly exited the vehicle, approached the bakkie, and opened fire on the officers before fleeing in the Polo towards the R61 highway in the direction of Port St. John’s.
The male officer sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body and head and was declared dead at the scene. His colleague, despite being wounded, managed to call for assistance and was rushed to hospital by a responding officer. She remains in critical condition.
Crime scene experts recovered several 9mm cartridge cases at the scene, indicating the attackers used high-calibre firearms.
The identity of the deceased officer has not yet been released, pending the notification of next of kin.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata condemned the attack, describing it as a devastating loss to the police service.
“We are devastated by the loss of a dedicated police officer and the critical injury of another who showed extraordinary bravery. I call on anyone with information to come forward so we can bring these cowards to justice,” said Ncata.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown and investigations are ongoing.
