Suspect arrested after Eastern Cape police sergeant allegedly stabbed to death

A 48-year-old South African Police Service (SAPS) sergeant has been killed in an alleged stabbing at a residential property in Duncan Village, Eastern Cape, prompting a murder investigation.

The officer died on Sunday, October 11, 2026, following an incident at a property in Gardenia Street, where she and a 30-year-old male suspect reportedly rented separate rooms.

Police have arrested the suspect, who is receiving medical treatment in hospital for knife wounds and remains under police guard.

What happened in Duncan Village?

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said the incident reportedly took place at around 4.30pm.

Preliminary information indicates that the officer lived in an upstairs room, while the suspect occupied a basement room at the same property.

According to police, the suspect’s mother had an arrangement with the officer to check on her son periodically because he reportedly has a medical condition.

On Sunday, the sergeant allegedly went to the man’s room to enquire about his well-being.

The interaction reportedly escalated into an argument, during which the suspect allegedly produced a knife and stabbed the officer.

She succumbed to her injuries.

Suspect under police guard

Mhlakuvana confirmed that a 30-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the killing.

The suspect remains in hospital while receiving treatment for his injuries. Police have not provided further details about how he sustained the knife wounds.

He is expected to appear before the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court in due course.

The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against the suspect have not yet been tested in court.

Police killings remain a national concern

The killing comes amid continued concern about attacks on police officers in South Africa.

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that the killing of police officers threatens the country’s stability and undermines the rule of law.

Speaking at the SAPS National Commemoration Day, Ramaphosa honoured 12 officers who died in the line of duty between April 2025 and March 2026.

He described attacks on police as attacks on the state and called for stronger community support for law enforcement.

The president also highlighted the need to support the families of fallen officers and urged South Africans to help build safer communities.

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Source: IOL