Political parties have condemned the brutal attack at Ngcobo police station which claimed the lives of five police officers and a retired soldier in the early hours of this morning.
A group of armed robbers reportedly stormed in the police station and opened fire on police officers working in the Community Service Centre.
A retired soldier was also shot dead while the bodies of two policemen, who were abducted in a police van, were later found six kilometers from the station.
No arrests have been made as yet.
The Minister of police, Fikile Mbalula who will visit Ngcobo today, called for calm from all SAPS members and said he understood that people were emotional.
“I have instructed general Khehla Sitole to hunt those barbaric criminals and bring them to book. They will regret the day they sat and planned to attack the state. These are very dangerous criminals. I urge people to remain vigilant and calm.”
DA MPL Bobby Stevenson said the party strongly condemned the killing of police officers and offered their condolences to the families.
“The SAPS are our front line against criminal elements – they are what stands between us and anarchy. The police are a key element in ensuring safer communities. No stone must be left unturned in hunting down these criminals and ensuring that they are brought to justice. We stands with SAPS in this time of great sorrow and grief.”
EFF party leader in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, Thobeka Blekiwe pledged her solidarity with the families affected by the attack.
“The police need to do everything in their power to ensure the criminals are brought to book. We call on all citizens who might lead to the arrest of these murderers to report (information) to the nearest police station.”
The attackers escaped with several firearms and the police vehicle.
A task team comprising experienced detectives and the Hawks has been activated in the search for the group.
Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle said the incident was sending a disturbing message to communities, who relied and depend on the police for their own protection.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms this barbaric attack on our police officers and innocent souls, we also hasten to offer our heart-felt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this manner’’.