A man suspected of murdering a South African Police Service (SAPS) officer in Ngqamakhwe and hijacking five vehicles in a violent escape attempt was fatally shot during a confrontation with police in Ngcobo on Saturday night.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in the Eastern Cape, the incident began at approximately 17:45 on 7 June 2025. The suspect allegedly shot and killed a police officer who was on his way to work in Ngqamakhwe, before fleeing the scene and launching into a hijacking spree.
Over the course of several hours, the suspect reportedly stole five vehicles in succession while evading law enforcement. The pursuit culminated in Ngcobo at around 22:30, where the suspect abandoned the last hijacked car and continued on foot.
Police, acting on intelligence, located the armed suspect. When SAPS members attempted to intercept him, the suspect allegedly opened fire, prompting police to return fire. The suspect was fatally wounded during the exchange.
Police confirmed the deceased suspect is linked to:
- The murder of a SAPS member in Ngqamakhwe
- Robbery of a service firearm
- Hijacking of five vehicles
- Attempted murder
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been notified and will investigate the police shooting, in line with standard procedure.
A full investigation into the initial murder and the subsequent violent crime spree is being led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, condemned the killing of the officer and commended the SAPS members involved for their vigilance and swift response.
“SAPS condemns in the strongest terms the attack on our member and the subsequent violent crime spree. We commend the members involved in the pursuit for their vigilance and swift response, which brought this dangerous situation to an end,” she said.
The SAPS extended its condolences to the family and colleagues of the slain officer, stating, “Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
