By Malcom Hlongwane |
Grief and shock have gripped the small Midlands town of Richmond following the fatal shooting of an off-duty police officer, Constable Cebekhulu, on the night of 26 April 2026.According to reports, the officer was socialising at a local tavern when gunfire suddenly erupted, cutting his life short. Witnesses say the atmosphere quickly turned from lively to chaotic, as patrons scrambled for safety.
In the aftermath, the suspect fled with the constable’s state-issued firearm, leaving behind a devastated community and fellow officers in mourning.Police launched an immediate manhunt, determined to bring the perpetrator to justice. Within hours, the alleged killer was tracked down and arrested. Authorities confirmed that both the stolen service weapon and the illegal firearm believed to have been used in the attack were recovered. Residents of Richmond say the incident has left them shaken, raising fresh concerns about safety even in familiar social spaces.
“We never expect something like this to happen here,” one local said, describing the tragedy as deeply unsettling.The suspect is expected to appear in the Richmond Magistrate’s Court later this week.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for Constable Cebekhulu, remembered by colleagues as a dedicated officer who served his community with commitment and courage.
