UPDATE: Police officer killed, another critically wounded in Mthatha ambush

A police officer has been killed and another left fighting for her life after a targeted shooting in New Brighton under the Ngangelizwe policing area, Mthatha, on 22 April 2026.

The South African Police Service in the Eastern Cape confirmed that the attack occurred at approximately 16:20 on 22 April 2026, when two officers attached to the Madeira Detective Unit were ambushed while seated in a white Isuzu bakkie outside the female officer’s residence. The pair had just returned home from duty.

According to preliminary findings, a white Volkswagen Polo had been seen parked nearby for about two hours before the shooting. Two unidentified men reportedly exited the vehicle, approached the bakkie, and fired multiple shots at the officers before fleeing the scene. The suspects sped off 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 seriously wounded, managed to call for help and was rushed to hospital by a responding officer. She remains in critical condition.

Crime scene experts recovered several 9mm cartridge cases, indicating a high-intensity attack. The identity of the deceased officer has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata condemned the attack, describing it as a devastating loss. He praised the injured officer’s bravery and urged members of the public to assist with information. “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,” Ncata said.

At this stage, the motive for the attack remains unknown, and investigators have not confirmed whether the officers were specifically targeted or if the incident is linked to ongoing cases they may have been handling.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or noticed a white Volkswagen Polo in the area around the time of the attack to contact CrimeStop on 08600 10111 or submit information via the MySAPS App. All information will be treated confidentially.