A manhunt has been launched after an off-duty police captain was shot and killed at a Kanyamazane car wash on Saturday night. The 44-year-old Nelspruit officer was confronted and fatally shot by an unknown assailant around 9:45 pm following a dispute.

According to reports, the officer’s car was bumped by the suspect’s vehicle while waiting to be washed. After agreeing on R5,000 in damages, an argument broke out and the suspect opened fire, fleeing as police returned shots.

Authorities are urgently seeking information on the killer’s whereabouts. A multi-agency team pleaded for the public’s help, especially a witness named Sibusiso Maseko, to aid the investigation.

The slain captain’s identity has not yet been released. Colleagues said he was well-respected and his loss dealt a devastating blow. Catching the perpetrator quickly remains priority number one.