The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape has confirmed that a suspect wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of a police officer in Ngqamakhwe and a subsequent hijacking spree was fatally wounded during a confrontation with law enforcement in Ngcobo on Saturday night.
The incident unfolded at approximately 17:45 on 07 June 2025 in Ngqamakhwe, where the suspect allegedly shot and killed an on-duty police officer who was on his way to work. After the attack, the suspect fled the scene.
Authorities reported that the suspect then went on a hijacking rampage, stealing five (5) vehicles in succession while attempting to evade capture. The suspect abandoned the last hijacked vehicle upon reaching Ngcobo and continued his escape on foot.
Acting on intelligence, police officers tracked down the suspect in Ngcobo. When confronted, the suspect allegedly opened fire on the officers, prompting them to return fire. The suspect was fatally wounded during the exchange.
The deceased suspect has been directly linked to:
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The murder of a SAPS member in Ngqamakhwe
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Robbery of a service firearm
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Hijacking of five (5) motor vehicles
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Attempted murder
Police investigations into the matter are ongoing. No further details have been released at this stage.
