Phakane, Mpumalanga – Police have launched an urgent manhunt following the tragic killing of Constable Donald Mathebula, a dedicated officer who was gunned down in cold blood while on duty. The incident occurred on Friday, 6 June, in Phakane near Pienaar, shocking the local community and prompting a province-wide search for the suspects.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Jabu Ndubane, authorities were alerted to the scene shortly after the shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Mathebula inside his private vehicle, still wearing his police uniform. He was immediately rushed to the hospital but was declared dead upon arrival.
Initial investigations reveal that the 34-year-old officer had stopped at a local tuckshop when he was ambushed by three armed men wearing balaclavas. The assailants, believed to be waiting in the area, opened fire on Mathebula. In an attempt to escape the attack, he tried to drive away, but the vehicle was hit multiple times, causing it to crash into a tree and a wall before coming to a halt.
“The vehicle was found with multiple bullet holes on the rear and right side windows,” said Ndubane. “It appears that nothing was stolen during the incident, which raises more questions about the motive behind the attack.”
Mathebula was a committed member of the South African Police Service (SAPS), having served for over a decade. He was stationed at Pienaar SAPS and worked within the Visible Policing Unit. His sudden and violent death has left his colleagues and community reeling.
“It’s believed the officer was ambushed while visiting the area. The motive behind the shooting is still unknown, and we are investigating all possible leads,” Ndubane added.
In response to the brutal killing, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has ordered the immediate activation of a 72-hour action plan. This initiative is aimed at mobilizing all available resources, including specialized investigative units, to track down the perpetrators.
“This is a direct attack on the state, and we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.
Authorities are calling on the public to assist in the investigation. Anyone with information related to the shooting or the identity of the suspects is urged to contact their nearest police station or call the SAPS Crime Stop hotline. Community members can also provide information anonymously through the MySAPS app.
As investigations continue, the South African Police Service and the community mourn the loss of a dedicated officer who gave a decade of his life to protecting and serving others.