Manhunt launched after crime intelligence officer killed in Durban

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a manhunt in Durban after members of its Crime Intelligence unit were shot on Thursday afternoon.

The Acting National Commissioner Puleng Dimpane said, the incident occurred in the Mount Edgecombe area, where a group of heavily armed suspects targeted two officers.

One officer, who was driving a state vehicle at the time of the attack, died at the scene after sustaining fatal gunshot wounds. A second officer was also shot and critically injured and has since been airlifted to hospital and is receiving urgent medical care.

SAPS has mobilised maximum resources to track down those responsible, with specialised units—including crime intelligence operatives, detectives, and organised crime teams—working around the clock.

Dimpane condemned the attack, describing it as a direct assault on law enforcement and state authority.

“No stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” she said.

Support services have also been deployed, with SAPS Employee Health and Wellness experts, including psychologists and chaplains, providing assistance to the affected families and colleagues.

Authorities have extended condolences to the family of the fallen officer and wished the injured member a speedy recovery as investigations continue.