A high-priority manhunt is underway in Mpumalanga after Constable Donald Mathebula, a 34-year-old officer with the Pienaar Visible Policing Unit, was fatally shot in what police believe was a calculated and targeted attack. The incident occurred around 9 PM on Friday in Phakane, Pienaar, while Mathebula was still in uniform and stopping at a local tuckshop in his private vehicle.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Jabu Ndubane, three armed men wearing balaclavas ambushed Mathebula and opened fire at close range. In a desperate attempt to flee, Mathebula crashed his vehicle into a tree and a wall. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but tragically declared dead on arrival.
Investigators found bullet holes on the rear and right-side windows of the vehicle, and notably, no belongings were taken from the scene—pointing strongly to a premeditated attack on the officer rather than a robbery.
“This is not just the murder of a police officer, it is an attack on the authority of the state,” said Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie. Vowing swift justice, Macie urged anyone with information to come forward immediately.
Mathebula, a ten-year veteran of the SAPS, leaves behind a spouse and a young child. Trauma support is being offered to his family and colleagues as police intensify efforts to track down the suspects.
Members of the public are urged to share any information anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the MYSAPS app, or by contacting their nearest police station. Authorities say no effort will be spared in ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.
