File
Eastern Cape police launched a manhunt for at least two suspects who fatally wounded a policeman in Ngqeleni on Monday.
Warrant-Officer Majola Nkholi said the shooting occurred on Monday afternoon when the two accosted the 59-year-old officer in Chaplain Street at around 14:45 in the afternoon.
He said the Warrant-Officer was shot and killed, before the men took his firearm and fled the scene.
“Police are urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the nearest police station. The information may also be shared via Crime Stop on 08600 10111”.
Eastern Cape Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene has extended a message of condolences to the family of the policeman, whose name has not yet been released.
"This incident is seen as an attack on the authority of the state. We would like to assure the public that we will do our best to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book,” she vowed.
The murder of the police officer comes as the province is still reeling from the grisly murder of 18 people, mostly women, who were shot dead in two houses in a village near Lusikisiki.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu was due to pay a courtesy visit to surviving family members on Tuesday, while the Eastern Cape government is offering psycho-social assistance.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also strongly condemned the brutal murders.
The Democratic Alliance in the Eastern Cape also called for urgent debate in the Legislature to discuss escalating crime in the province.
DA MPL, Yusuf Cassim said violent crime continues to surge, and this massacre is just the latest incident in a long list of tragedies.
