A 44-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a police sergeant and the serious injury of a police constable during a domestic violence response in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga.
The suspect was arrested at his place of residence on Sunday, 19 July 2026, after police launched a manhunt following the attack on Saturday night.
According to Mpumalanga police, the incident occurred at about 9.45pm after a man arrived at Bushbuckridge Police Station to report that his brother was causing trouble at their family home.
Two police officers accompanied the complainant to the address, where they confronted and interviewed the suspect. Police said the man initially appeared cooperative before allegedly going back inside the house.
Moments later, he allegedly returned armed with a sharp object and attacked the officers.
During the assault, a 41-year-old police sergeant was stabbed with the weapon, while a 37-year-old police constable was pushed into a nearby hole. The suspect then fled the scene on foot.
Both officers were taken to a nearby medical facility. The sergeant was declared dead on arrival, while the constable was admitted for further treatment.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Mavela Masondo said the suspect was later traced and arrested at his residence.
“The police traced and arrested the suspect at his place of residence today, Sunday, 19 July 2026. The report indicates that, after committing the crime, the suspect fled the scene, but later returned once the crime scene had been cleared,” Masondo said.
“The case docket is being handled by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Hawks, for further investigation.”
Police have opened cases of murder and attempted murder, with the investigation now being handled by the Hawks.
Acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi condemned the attack and said those responsible would face the full might of the law.
“We will not allow anyone to attack our members without consequences and we will make sure that we do everything possible to find him. An attack on a police official is a direct attack on the state,” Mkhwanazi said.
He said the investigation had been prioritised and urged police officers to remain alert while carrying out their duties.
“The resources issued to members must be used effectively without any hesitation, in defence and in protection of the community,” he said.
Mkhwanazi also expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased officer and wished the injured constable a speedy recovery.
Police have appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could assist with the investigation.
