JUST IN | Two Eastern Cape police officers shot dead responding to spaza shop attack

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a large-scale manhunt following the fatal shooting of two Eastern Cape officers who were responding to a spaza shop robbery. The officers, aged 51 and 30, were killed in Libode near Mthatha while attempting to assist the shop owner. Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed the identities of the officers, whose names will be released after notifying their families.

The suspects allegedly attacked a spaza shop, demanding money from the operator when the officers responded. Both officers suffered fatal gunshot wounds, and their service pistols were missing. A cordless grinder used to cut the burglar door was discovered at the scene. The SAPS has opened two murder cases, two counts of attacking police, two counts of robbing police firearms, and one count of attempting a business robbery.

A multidisciplinary team, with a 72-hour plan, is actively working to trace and apprehend the suspects. Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata condemned the brutal murders, stating that such an act is an assault on the State. He expressed condolences to the families and colleagues of the fallen officers and promised support during this difficult period.

Authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information about the suspects and offered to treat all information confidentially. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized earlier this month that police killings are an assault on the State and threaten South Africa's stability, urging citizens, government, and SAPS to work together to address the crisis through accountability and reform.