An off-duty police officer was brutally murdered in Mpumalanga on Friday, after being ambushed, stripped naked, and shot outside a barbershop.
The tragic incident occurred in Lillydale Trust near Bushbuckridge. According to provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, Shabangu had stopped at a barbershop around 11pm on Thursday.
"While he was inside the barbershop, two armed suspects stormed in, pointed firearms and ordered everyone to lie down. They robbed the people of their cellphones and ordered Constable Shabangu to undress," Ndubane explained.
The suspects then took Shabangu’s clothes and car keys before heading outside. "It is alleged that Constable Shabangu followed the suspects, and they shot him multiple times before fleeing the scene in his vehicle," Ndubane said.
Emergency Medical Services were called to the scene, but tragically, Shabangu was declared dead. His lifeless body was found lying face up, bearing multiple gunshot wounds.
A manhunt is now underway to find the perpetrators of this shocking crime. Acting provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has activated a 72-hour action plan to bring the suspects to justice.
Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi has strongly condemned the attack, stating: “Anyone who attacks a police officer is directly attacking the state and will face the full might of the law.”
Police are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. Anyone with information is urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Skhumbuzo Ceko on 082 992 9902 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be sent confidentially via the MYSAPS App.
The senseless killing of Constable Shabangu has sent shockwaves through the police service and the broader community. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to ensuring that those responsible for this brutal act are brought to justice.
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