Police Constable Killed in Ambush: SAPS Hunts Down Suspects After Mbizana Robbery Attempt

In a tragic incident that unfolded in the early hours of July 15, 2024, an on-duty police constable was killed, and other officials were injured during a business robbery attempt in Mbizana, South Africa. The attack occurred at a filling station located on Mbizana Main Road within the central business district (CBD).

The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, has confirmed that the South African Police Service (SAPS) management has initiated a full-scale manhunt for the suspects responsible for the brutal attack on the law enforcement officers.

The 35-year-old constable, whose name is withheld until notification of the next of kin, and fellow officers were in three separate police vehicles coming from a prior crime scene at Ezityatyaneni Locality, situated on the outskirts of Mbizana. It was at this moment when approximately 20 assailants ambushed the police convoy next to the filling station.

The attackers opened fire on the unsuspecting police officials, leading to a chaotic shootout. Tragically, the constable sustained fatal injuries, while other police members were left wounded. The brazen suspects managed to confiscate firearms from the police and attempted to detonate the safe at the filling station; however, their efforts to explode the safe failed, and they subsequently fled the scene.

In the aftermath of this violent confrontation, cases of murder, attempted murder, and business robbery have been opened for investigation. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, has been tasked with leading this high-priority case.

Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene delivered a stern message, emphasizing that the culprits responsible for disturbing the peace and killing police officials will face the full force of the law. She articulated the gravity of the situation, highlighting that such egregious acts of violence severely undermine the state's efforts to reduce and prevent crime and protect community members. The Provincial Commissioner condemned the lawlessness and expressed a promise to bring the offenders to justice.

This incident comes at a time when the security and safety of police officers in the line of duty have become a pressing concern. The SAPS has repeatedly emphasized the imperative to prosecute individuals who target law enforcement personnel ruthlessly.

The Eastern Cape police are urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects involved in this heinous crime to come forward.