Responding to gunfire at a Richmond tavern, off-duty Constable Njabulo Cebekhulu was killed.
Image: Keran Ducasse
An off-duty police constable who attempted to investigate a gunshot at a tavern in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal, was shot and killed in the early hours of Sunday morning.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza said police in Richmond are investigating a murder of an off-duty police constable, 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 was shot. He was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries,” Magwaza said.
He added the suspect handed himself over to the police on Sunday.
Richmond Municipality mayor Melikhaya Ngcongo expressed outrage following the murder of Constable Njabulo Cebekhulu, aged 32.
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 innocent residents. While approaching the suspect to intervene, the suspect shot the officer multiple times.
Ngcongo expressed profound sadness over Cebekhulu’s murder, who had worked 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 visited the crime scene and the police station, where he condemned the murder.
He also extended his 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,” Ngcongo said.
The suspect reportedly shot the officer and then allegedly stole the service firearm, which was subsequently discarded. When the mayor visited the scene, efforts were still ongoing to find and 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 will 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.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za