SAPS top brass have launched a manhunt for suspects who shot and killed a police constable (35) and left other policemen injured during a business robbery in Mbizana main road (in the Eastern Cape) during the early hours of yesterday morning.

The identity of the constable will be released once his next of kin have officially been informed.

Local police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa says the incident took place at a filling station in the CBD when the constable and other police officers were driving from a crime scene in three different police vehicles.

Reports suggest the police members were coming from a crime scene at Ezityatyaneni, outside Mbizana, when they were ambushed by some 20 suspects next to the filling station.

“The suspects then fired shots at the police officials that were in these vehicles and fatally wounded the constable while other police officials were injured,” adds Mawisa.

According to reports, police officers were shot at with an AK47 rifle, and it’s alleged five 9mm pistols and a R5 rifle were taken from the scene.

After the shoot-out, the suspects took the police firearms and tried to blow open the filling station safe with explosives but with no success. They then fled the scene.

Cases of murder, attempted murders and business robbery have been opened for investigation.

Detectives from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as the Hawks) will be investigating the case.

The Eastern Cape police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, says that anyone disturbing the peace and killing police who are protecting the communities will be arrested and prosecuted. She also speaks out strongly about lawlessness and criminal insanity.

“The killing of the police official, who was serving the community, undermines the efforts by the state to combat and prevent crime,” she concludes.