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The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape has launched a manhunt for armed suspects following the fatal shooting of two police officers at Ziphunzana Location, Libode, near Mthatha, in the early hours of Friday, 18 September 2026.
The deceased officers, aged 51 and 30, were members of the Mthatha National Intervention Unit and Mthatha Public Order Policing Unit. Police have withheld their names pending notification of their next of kin.
According to preliminary police information, armed suspects allegedly attacked a spaza shop and demanded money from the shop operator. The two officers responded to a call for assistance but were later found with gunshot wounds.
Both officers’ service pistols were reportedly missing. Police also recovered a cordless grinder allegedly used to cut through the shop’s burglar door.
The incident is being investigated as two counts of murder, two counts of attack on police, two counts of robbery of police firearms and one count of attempted business robbery.
A multidisciplinary team has been deployed to the scene, while police have activated a 72-hour operational plan to trace and arrest those responsible. Investigators are following up on preliminary intelligence.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata condemned the killings and described 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,” said Ncata.
The provincial commissioner also extended condolences to the officers’ families and colleagues, saying police would support them during the difficult period.
Police have not yet confirmed any arrests, the identities of the suspects or the circumstances surrounding the officers’ final moments. Investigations remain ongoing.
The deaths have raised renewed concerns about the dangers faced by police officers responding to criminal incidents in communities. The missing service firearms also remain part of the investigation, as police work to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Members of the public with information that could assist the investigation are urged to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be submitted through the MySAPS App, with police assuring informants that their information will be treated confidentially.
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Nande Mkiva
pondolandtimes.co.za
