DailySun
Cape Town – Additional details have emerged regarding the heartbreaking shooting of 32-year-old police constable, Ayanda Moyikwa, following a visit from senior officials of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to his home.
Constable Moyikwa tragically lost his life during a robbery incident in Mfuleni, a suburb located in the Blue Downs area, close to the large township of Khayelitsha in Cape Town.
Initially, it was reported that the officer was on his way to work when he witnessed a robbery and intervened earlier on Sunday, (12 January 2025).
He was shot and had his wallet and cellphone taken.
During her visit to the bereaved family, Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, revealed that Constable Moyikwa was driving his personal vehicle and was en route to pick up a colleague before heading to work when the incident unfolded.
Lieutenant General Patekile noted that it appears the constable witnessed an active robbery.
He was subsequently confronted by the robbers, who shot him while he remained seated in his vehicle.
The colleague waiting at the house for a ride heard three gunshots and rushed outside, only to find that Constable Moyikwa had been fatally wounded.
Lieutenant General Patekile, accompanied by Acting National Commissioner of SAPS Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, stated: “All available resources have been mobilized, and a manhunt is currently underway to capture the individuals responsible for the murder of the on-duty police officer.”
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili condemned the violent acts against police personnel and urged communities to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any criminal activities.
The acting national police commissioner emphasized that continued assaults on police officers would not be tolerated.
Lieutenant General Mosikili assured that the individuals responsible would be pursued and held accountable for their actions.
In January 2025 alone, the SAPS has lost five officers while on duty.
Lieutenant General Patekile encouraged police members to “remain operationally prepared” and to ensure that their protective equipment is kept in optimal condition.
