EC police appeal to public for information after on-duty Gqeberha cop killed

CAPE TOWN - Eastern Cape police are appealing to the public for information after a 29-year-old on-duty officer was shot in the head at Helenvale in Gqeberha and later died in hospital.

Police reports say the deceased officer and colleague were conducting patrols in the area when the incident occurred on New Year's Eve.

The officer was shot after their vehicle's engine cut off at Kobus Road and attempted to kickstart it.

Provincial police spokesperson Siphokazi Mawisa said the two police constables were approached by three community members who offered to help them.

"The driver heard a shot being fired, and on inspection, he discovered that the constable had been shot in the head.

"He was taken to hospital where he later died. The firearm of the deceased constable was also missing. An investigation is underway, and no arrests have been made."