The South African Police Service in the Eastern Cape can confirm that a suspect sought in connection with the fatal shooting of a police member in Ngqamakhwe yesterday evening and a subsequent hijacking spree, was fatally wounded during a confrontation with police in Ngcobo at about 22:30 on 07 June 2025.
The incident began at about 17:45 in Ngqamakhwe, where the suspect allegedly shot and killed a police member that was on his way to work. Following this attack, the suspect fled the scene.
It is alleged that the suspect then embarked on a hijacking spree, stealing five (5) vehicles in succession during his flight. The suspect abandoned the last hijacked vehicle upon reaching Ngcobo and continued his escape on foot.
Police members, following up on information and intelligence, located the suspect in Ngcobo. When confronted by the police, the suspect opened fire on the members. In response to the imminent threat, police returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.
The deceased suspect is directly linked to:
– The murder of a SAPS member in Ngqamakhwe
– robbery of service firearm
– hijacking of five(5) motor vehicles
– Attempted murder
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been notified and will investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of the suspect by police, as per standard procedure.
A comprehensive investigation into the initial murder of the police officer and the series of hijackings is underway by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Unit.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso stated, “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.”
The SAPS extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the murdered police officer. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
