Gantana said a case of murder and attempted murder has been opened following the shooting incident involving two police officers from the Madeira Detective Unit in Mthatha. Shooting “The South African Police Service in the Eastern Cape confirms that on 22 April 2026 at approximately 16:20, at New Brighton in Ngangelizwe, a male police officer and a female police officer were shot while seated in a white Isuzu bakkie outside the residence of the female officer. The two officers were returning home from duty.” Gantana said that according to preliminary investigations, a white Volkswagen Polo was seen parked a short distance from the scene about two hours before the attack.

“Two males exited the Polo, approached the Isuzu, and fired multiple shots at both officers. The suspects then fled in the Polo towards the R61 highway towards Port St. John’s.

“The deceased police officer sustained gunshot wounds to the upper body and head and died at the scene. The injured police officer, who managed to call for help despite her injuries, was rushed to hospital by a responding officer and remains in critical condition,” Gantana said. Gantana said the motive for the killing is currently unknown.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App. Family He said Crime scene experts recovered several 9mm cartridge cases at the scene. “The name of the deceased officer will be released once the next-of-kin have been formally notified.” Sadness The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, expressed sadness at the death and injury of the two officers.

“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,” said Ncata. Police killings Police officers in South Africa are coming under increased attack in the country, with more than 20 men and women in blue killed during the past financial year.

Last month, Saps joined police organisations around the world in honouring and remembering all the men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty on the Interpol International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Officers. Honouring cops Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said policing is one of the few professions where the “decision to protect our communities can cost a police officer everything”. “As a result, between 1 April, 2024 and 31 March, 2025, the Saps lost 27 police officers who died in the line of duty.

Nineteen of them were shot and killed, seven died in motor vehicle accidents, and one was hit with a blunt object on the upper body.” Arrests Mathe said the Hawks have arrested 263 police killers since 2023. The arrests have led to 75 life sentences and a combined 2 799 years in prison for those convicted.