Calcutta: Police in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt for suspects following the fatal shooting of an off-duty police officer in Lillydale Trust, Calcutta, on Friday, 30 May 2025, at approximately 23:00.
According to South African Police Service, police were alerted to a shooting incident. Upon arrival at the scene, they discovered a male lying on the ground, unresponsive and facing upwards. He was certified dead on the scene by Emergency Medical Services. The victim was found half-naked, with multiple gunshot wounds.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the deceased had parked his private vehicle outside a barbershop and entered the premises. While inside, two unknown armed suspects stormed in, ordered everyone to lie down, and robbed them of their cellphones. The victim was then instructed to undress. The suspects took his clothing and car keys.
It is further alleged that the victim followed the suspects outside, where he was shot multiple times. The suspects then fled the scene in the victim’s vehic
le.
The deceased has been identified as 29-year-old Constable Khulani Shabangu, who was stationed at Volksrust SAPS, serving under the Visible Policing Unit. He had served the South African Police Service for five years.
It is believed that Constable Shabangu was ambushed and fatally shot by the suspects while visiting the area. The motive for the attack is not yet known, and police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi, has mobilised a 72-hour Activation Plan to ensure that all necessary resources are deployed to trace and arrest the perpetrators.
Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist in the arrest of the suspects to contact the Investigating Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Skhumbuzo Ceko, on 082 992 9902. Tip-offs can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the MYSAPS App. All information received will be treated with the strictest c
onfidentiality.
General Mkhwanazi strongly condemned the brutal killing, stating: “Anyone who attacks a police officer is directly attacking the state and will face the full might of the law.”