Fallen Mthatha detective laid to rest as manhunt intensifies

The Eastern Cape government bid farewell to slain detective commander Lieutenant Colonel Thamsanqa Livingstone Mzimvubu on Saturday 2 May 2026, as police leadership vowed to hunt down his killers following his fatal shooting in the line of duty.

Mzimvubu (59), the Detective Branch Commander at Madeira SAPS, was laid to rest on 2 May 2026 at Moyeni Administrative Area in Libode, his birthplace, after he was gunned down on 22 April in New Brighton near Ngangelizwe, Mthatha. The funeral drew family, colleagues, government officials and community members, showing the impact of his nearly four decades of service.

Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Sibulele Ngongo, who attended on behalf of the provincial government, strongly condemned the killing, describing attacks on police officers as attacks on society itself. She told mourners such violence undermines community safety and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.

Mzimvubu was remembered as a disciplined and committed officer who dedicated 39 years to policing. He joined the South African Police Service in April 1987 as a Lance Sergeant and steadily rose through the ranks. Over the years, he served in both the Serious and Violent Crime Unit and the Organised Crime Unit before being appointed Detective Branch Commander at Madeira. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2023.

Delivering the eulogy, Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Vuyisile Ncata struck a defiant tone, warning that the killing of a police officer is an assault on the rule of law. He confirmed that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has taken over the case, adding that although no arrests have yet been made, authorities are pursuing leads.

“We will not bow. We will not retreat… we will not rest until those responsible are brought before a court of law—not for revenge, but for justice,” Ncata said.

Police have confirmed that two unknown suspects are being sought in connection with the killing. At this stage, key details about the motive and identities of the attackers remain unconfirmed.

The incident also left a 41-year-old female sergeant wounded. She remains in hospital, though no further details about her condition have been publicly released.

The killing has sent shockwaves through both the policing community and residents in the OR Tambo district and the Eastern Cape at large. Community members in Libode and beyond have described Mzimvubu as a respected figure whose death leaves a significant void.

Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward, appealing to the public to contact CrimeStop on 08600 10111 as investigations continue.