Police launched a manhunt for the perpetrators who murdered a police officer in his Mthatha home.

PHOTO: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Eastern Cape police have launched a manhunt after the murder of a police officer.
The officer was shot and killed in his home in Mthatha.
The attackers are still at large.

Eastern Cape police have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators behind the murder of a police officer in Mthatha.

In a statement released on Monday, police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said the officer died on Friday, after being attacked in Old Payne location in Mthatha.

He was stationed at the Mthatha central police station.

Kinana said:

Preliminary investigation indicates that 48-year-old detective, Sergeant Mphakameli Mazinywana, who was stationed at Mthatha central, was at his house together with his wife when unknown suspects kicked the door open and demanded a firearm from the officer. They shot him in the upper body, took his service firearm and escaped. The member succumbed to gunshot [wounds].

Charges of murder and house robbery have been registered. No arrests have been made.

"The SAPS has lost a hero, a father and servant of the community. We are devastated as the SAPS family, but we will find the culprits," Eastern Cape police commissioner Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga said.

Police have requested anyone with information to contact the Mthatha central police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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