Richmond Municipality mayor Melikhaya Ngcongo expressed outrage following the murder.
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An off-duty police constable was shot and killed while responding to a gunshot incident at a tavern in Richmond on Sunday morning.
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza, KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, said police in Richmond were investigating the murder of Constable Njabulo Cebekhulu, 32, who was shot while responding to gunfire inside a tavern.
“It is alleged that further gunshots were heard inside the tavern, and it was discovered that the police constable had been shot. He was rushed to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries,” Magwaza said.
He added that the suspect handed himself over to police on Sunday.
Richmond Municipality mayor Melikhaya Ngcongo expressed outrage following the murder.
According to the municipality, Cebekhulu responded to a distress incident outside Shames Tavern, where a suspect was reportedly discharging a firearm in a public space, endangering the lives of residents. While approaching the suspect, the officer was shot multiple times.
Ngcongo expressed sadness over Cebekhulu’s murder, noting that the officer had served at the Richmond Police Station for four years.
“Police officers are also human beings who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues and loved ones of Constable Cebekhulu. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Ngcongo said.
He also extended his condolences to the Cebekhulu family for their tragic loss.
Ngcongo further expressed appreciation to the police, the community policing forum and community members for their decisive and coordinated response, which led to the arrest of the suspect and his accomplice.
“We commend the police and the broader security cluster for their rapid action. The arrest of the perpetrators restores confidence in the rule of law and sends a clear message that those who commit such heinous crimes will face the full might of justice."
The suspect allegedly shot the officer and then stole his service firearm, which was later discarded. When the mayor visited the scene, efforts were still ongoing to recover the weapon.
“When I arrived at the station, I found that they were still searching for the officer’s firearm, which the suspect is said to have discarded,” Ngcongo said.
He warned against the illegal use of firearms in public spaces, emphasising that such behaviour would not be tolerated in Richmond.
“No individual has the right to terrorise communities and endanger lives. We will not allow our town to be turned into a lawless zone. Anyone who believes they are above the law will be dealt with decisively,” Ngcongo said.