South Africa Gauteng Police launch manhunt after off-duty officer shot dead

Authorities in Gauteng are pursuing armed suspects following the fatal shooting of an off-duty police officer in Mabopane on Monday afternoon.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, a 50-year-old sergeant from the Gauteng Highway Patrol Unit was driving a red Polo Volgswawhen assailants in a sedan opened fire, causing him to lose control and crash into a Toyota Venture.

Emergency responders declared the officer dead at the scene. Police have called on the public to assist with any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects, urging witnesses to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or provide anonymous tips via the My SAPS App.

This tragedy follows a similar November attack in Vosloorus, where two off-duty Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officers were shot in a suspected hijacking.

One officer, Constable Xolani Maxwell Ndlovu (36), was killed, while his colleague, Constable Papo Khumalo, sustained critical injuries.

As investigations continue, concerns over rising violence against law enforcement officers remain a growing issue in Gauteng.