The entire Eastern Cape was shocked by the death of three police officers in a shooting incident which reported in the early hours on Thursday, 7 May 2026 at Kariega in the Eastern Cape. Everybody thought that these officers perhaps were affected during their line of duty as the attack on police is taking its toll.
Nevertheless, in this incident it was not the case as preliminary investigation suggested that a male constable, who was the former boyfriend of a female constable, forced entry into the residence where she and another male constable were present. Witnesses reported hearing shots fired, after which all three members sustained fatal injuries.
Provincial spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed the incident stating that a state-issued firearm was confiscated at the scene, along with 10 live rounds. Ballistic analysis will form part of the ongoing investigation. Brig
Gantana said given the fact that the incident involves deaths, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID)has been notified and will conduct a parallel investigation in terms of the IPID Act. She said the SAPS has also opened an internal disciplinary docket. Meanwhile the SAPS named the deceased members as Constable Riaan Van Heerden (male, 48), Gqeberha Flying Squad constable Stach Jantjies (female, 22) and KwaNobuhle SAPS constable Cerwynn Williams (male, 24), Kariega SAPS.
