A manhunt is underway following the shooting of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius (59) in what appears to have been an ambush in Ermelo earlier today.

According to the Mpumalanga SAPS, Pretorius, who was the commander of the Vehicle Identification Unit in Ermelo, was ambushed while driving an official vehicle around 14:00.

Reports indicate that an assailant fired multiple shots at Pretorius, leaving his vehicle riddled with bullet holes. After the attack, the suspect fled the scene in a white sedan.

Circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and police are working to uncover details of the ambush.

A specialised investigative team has been assembled, and a 72-hour activation plan has been implemented to ensure every effort is made to identify and apprehend the perpetrator(s).

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi, has appealed to the community for assistance in solving the case.

“Killing a police officer is a direct attack on the state, and we are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice. Lieutenant Colonel Pretorius was an asset to our community, and we will not rest until those responsible are held accountable,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.

The SAPS is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Tip-offs can be provided anonymously by calling the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111 or using the MYSAPS app. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Mkhwanazi extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late officer.

“This senseless murder is a loss not only to his loved ones but also to the community he served so diligently,” he added.

The investigation continues, and further updates are expected as police pursue leads in this high-priority case.

The murder comes two days after Sergeant Fundiswa Motlhaoleng (45), clad in uniform, was shot and killed while travelling to work in Klerksdorp on Tuesday.

Motlhaoleng was stationed with the Jouberton Visible Policing Unit.