Three South African Police Service (SAPS) constables have been killed in a shooting incident in Kariega in the early hours of this morning.
Police in the Eastern Cape say officers responded to reports of gunfire at a residence on Rudman Street at around 00:45 on Wednesday, 7 May 2026, where they found the three constables with multiple gunshot wounds.
Two officers were declared dead at the scene, while the third later succumbed to injuries in hospital.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a male constable allegedly forced entry into the residence where a female constable and another male constable were present, before shots were fired. All three officers sustained fatal injuries.
A state-issued firearm and 10 live rounds of ammunition were recovered at the scene, with ballistic analysis forming part of the ongoing investigation.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has been notified and will conduct a parallel investigation, while SAPS has also opened an internal disciplinary inquiry.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata described the incident as a devastating loss for the service.
“This is a tragic and devastating loss for the SAPS family. Three young officers have lost their lives under heartbreaking circumstances. We are providing trauma debriefing and counselling to all members affected, and we will ensure the families receive the support they need during this difficult time.”
Ncata added that support is being provided to affected families and colleagues, including trauma counselling for members who responded to the scene.