An off-duty Mpumalanga police officer was ambushed, stripped naked and shot dead outside a barbershop on Friday.
The slain officer, Constable Khulani Shabangu, 29, was based at Volksrust SAPS Visible Policing. He had been in the service for five years.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane confirmed the brutal killing, saying Shabangu had stopped at a barbershop in Lillydale Trust near Bushbuckridge 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,” said Ndubane.
She said the suspects 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 explained.
Emergency Medical Services declared Shabangu dead on the scene. His lifeless body lay face up with multiple gunshot wounds.
Ndubane said a manhunt was underway.
Acting provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has activated a 72-hour effort to bring the suspects to book.
“Anyone who attacks a police officer is directly attacking the state and will face the full might of the law,” said Mkhwanazi.
Police have requested that anyone with information come forward. They can contact Lieutenant Colonel Skhumbuzo Ceko on 082 992 9902 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be sent via the MYSAPS App, confidentially.
