Two police officers killed in ambush while responding to robbery in Free State

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Cape Town – Two South African Police Service (SAPS) officers were fatally ambushed and killed while responding to a robbery in Mangaung Village, Namahadi, on the night of 4 January 2025.

According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, the incident occurred around 22:00 when the two officers from the Namahadi Community Service Centre (CSC) arrived at the scene of a reported house robbery.

The officers, part of a team supported by a Crime Prevention vehicle, were met with deadly resistance.

“Upon arriving at the scene, two suspects fled the house, prompting a chase by the Crime Prevention team. Meanwhile, the CSC members approached the house, where one suspect emerged and opened fire. One member was fatally shot and his service pistol was taken by the suspect.

“As the pursuit continued, another suspect ambushed the driver of the backup vehicle while he was reversing the police vehicle. He was shot in the neck and succumbed to his injuries. The other police officers in the vehicle were unharmed,” Makhele said.


The suspects, who concealed their identities with balaclavas, fled the scene and remain at large. The suspects also robbed the victim of the house of two cell phones and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, the Provincial Commissioner of the Free State police, condemned the killings and extended condolences to the families of the slain officers.

“On behalf of SAPS, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the two constables. Their sacrifice in service to their community will never be forgotten,” said Motswenyane.

The identities of the fallen officers will be released once their families have been informed. SAPS has launched an urgent manhunt for the suspects and is appealing to the public for information. Anyone with details is urged to contact the SAPS Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111.

 

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