Police officer shot dead in Eastern Cape

Johannesburg - A 31-year-old off-duty constable was shot dead by a man in Motherwell on Monday, Eastern Cape police said.

"It is alleged that the deceased was in his private vehicle in the Nyara Road precinct in Motherwell, when he was approached by the suspect," Colonel Sibongile Soci said.

The officer, stationed at Mount Road, died on the scene.

Police officers who were on patrol in the area heard gunshots and rushed to the scene.

"They noticed a car speeding off and gave chase. The suspect shot at the direction of the police but missed," Soci said.

A 30-year-old man was arrested at a car wash in the area.

The motive for the shooting was not known at this stage.

The man would appear on a murder charge in the Motherwell Magistrate's Court soon.

The constable is survived by his wife.