Manhunt launched for three armed suspects after killing of a police officer in Pienaar, Mpumalanga
It is understood that 34-year-old constable, Donald Mathebula, was ambushed by three men wearing balaclavas after he stopped at a spaza shop.
FILE: Thamsanqa Mbovane/GroundUp
JOHANNESBURG - Police in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt for three armed suspects following the fatal shooting of a police officer in Pienaar, near Nelspruit.
It is understood that 34-year-old constable, Donald Mathebula, was ambushed by three men wearing balaclavas after he stopped at a spaza shop.
The suspects, who reportedly approached the officer while he was on duty and seated in his vehicle, opened fire on him at close range.
As Mathebula attempted to escape, he lost control of the vehicle, which then crashed into a tree and a wall.
Police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane said the constable succumbed to his injuries on the scene.
"According to reports, police were alerted about the shooting incident and upon arrival at the scene they found the member inside his private vehicle in uniform, and he was rushed to the hospital, and he was declared dead on arrival. The vehicle had bullet holes at the rear side and right side of the window. The three suspects fled the scene. The motive for the attack is not known yet, and police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing," said Ndubane.