Cape Town – Additional details regarding the heartbreaking shooting of 32-year-old police constable, Ayanda Moyikwa, have come to light following a visit by senior officials from the South African Police Service (SAPS) to his home.
Constable Moyikwa tragically lost his life during a robbery incident in Mfuleni, a suburb in the Blue Downs area, adjacent to the large township of Khayelitsha in Cape Town.
Initial reports suggested that the officer was on his way to work when he noticed a robbery and chose to intervene earlier on Sunday, (12 January 2025).
He was shot fatally and had his wallet and cellphone taken.
During her visit to the bereaved family, the Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, revealed that Constable Moyikwa was driving his personal vehicle to pick up a colleague before heading to work when the tragic incident occurred.
Lieutenant General Patekile indicated that it appears the constable encountered an ongoing robbery.
He was subsequently confronted by the robbers, who shot him while he was still seated in his vehicle.
The colleague who was at the house awaiting pick-up heard three gunshots and rushed outside, only to find that Constable Moyikwa had been fatally wounded.
Lieutenant General Patekile, joined by Acting National Commissioner of SAPS Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, stated: “All available resources have been activated, and a manhunt is underway to capture the assailants responsible for the tragic killing of the on-duty police officer.”
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili vehemently condemned the violence directed at police officers and urged communities to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any criminal activities.
The acting national police commissioner reiterated that ongoing attacks on police personnel would not be tolerated.
Lieutenant General Mosikili assured that those responsible would be located and held accountable.
In the month of January 2025 alone, SAPS has mourned the loss of five officers while on duty.
Lieutenant General Patekile encouraged police members to “always be prepared for operational duties” and to ensure that their protective gear is kept in top condition.
