Man sought for Eastern Cape cop&#x2019s murder killed in shootout with police

A man believed to be behind the murder of an Eastern Cape police officer was killed in a shootout with police on Saturday.

Alfonso Nqunjana/News24

A man believed to be behind the murder of an Eastern Cape police officer was killed in a shootout at around 22:30 on Saturday.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana,it’s alleged that the man shot the police officer dead just hours before while the officer was on his way to work in Ngqamakhwe.

He then fled from the scene and embarked on a hijacking spree,stealing five cars in succession,Gantana said.

“The suspect abandoned the last hijacked vehicle upon reaching Ngcobo and continued his escape on foot.”

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However,police managed to find him in Ngcobo.

“When confronted by the police,the suspect opened fire on the members. In response to the imminent threat,police returned fire,fatally wounding the suspect,” Gantana said.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate will investigate the circumstances of the man’s death,as per standard procedure.

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Gantana added that a comprehensive investigation into the murder of the police officer and the series of hijackings was under way by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Unit.