PORT ST. JOHNS, Eastern Cape – A 24-year-old police constable from the Majola Police Station appeared in court yesterday, facing a barrage of serious charges including four counts of attempted murder, theft of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The charges stem from an alleged crime spree over the past weekend, which culminated in a dramatic shooting incident at his own police station on Monday, 25 May 2026.
The shocking allegations have cast a spotlight on the conduct of a serving member of the South African Police Service (SAPS), prompting a swift and unequivocal condemnation from the provincial leadership. The incident has left the local community stunned and raised profound questions about safety and discipline within the police force itself.
According to a detailed report from the South African Police Service, the constable's alleged rampage began over the weekend, specifically on Saturday, 23 May, and Sunday, 24 May. During this period, he is accused of having stabbed two different men in separate quarrels. In a disturbing escalation of events, he then allegedly forcibly took two private vehicles. One of these vehicles was reportedly crashed, while the other rolled into water, with the constable fleeing both scenes. Crucially, no cases were reported to the police at the time of these initial alleged incidents, allowing the situation to fester.
The full gravity of the constable's alleged actions became horrifyingly clear on Monday, 25 May. The two victims from the weekend's vehicle theft incidents bravely arrived at the Majola Police Station to report the matters and discuss damages. What should have been a routine process of seeking justice and resolution quickly devolved into an unimaginable scene of violence within the very walls of a police station.
During the meeting, the constable allegedly forced open a colleague’s safe, retrieved her service firearm, and then opened fire on both management and the complainants. In the ensuing chaos, the Acting Station Commander was shot below the left arm. Fortunately, police reports indicate that the commander is currently in a stable condition, recovering from the injury.
A desperate shootout between the suspect and other SAPS members then erupted within the station precinct. The constable subsequently fled the scene, disappearing into nearby bushes. However, a rapid response by his colleagues ensured he was tracked down and arrested shortly thereafter.
The charges against the constable are extensive and severe, reflecting the alleged scale of his violent actions. He faces four counts of attempted murder, signifying the number of individuals he allegedly targeted with lethal intent during the station shooting. Additionally, he is charged with the theft of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm, directly relating to his alleged acquisition and use of the service weapon. Further charges are linked to the weekend stabbings and the vehicle thefts, encompassing the full scope of his alleged criminal conduct.
The Provincial Commissioner of Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, wasted no time in strongly condemning the incident. In a statement that resonated with the gravity of the situation, Lieutenant General Ncata declared: “This conduct is criminal and a betrayal of the SAPS uniform. Any member who breaks the law will be arrested and face justice like any other suspect. No leniency.”
General Ncata’s words underscore the profound disappointment and outrage within the police hierarchy when an officer, sworn to uphold the law and protect citizens, is instead accused of committing such heinous crimes. The incident at Majola Police Station is a stark reminder of the immense responsibility placed upon police officers and the devastating consequences when that trust is violated.
The case is expected to proceed at the Port St. Johns Magistrate's Court, where the constable will answer to the serious allegations. [2][3] This incident will undoubtedly spark further discussions about internal oversight, psychological support, and disciplinary measures within the SAPS, as the force works to maintain public confidence and ensure that those who wear the uniform are indeed fit to serve and protect. The community, still reeling from the shock, will be closely watching as justice takes its course.
