Eastern Cape police launched a manhunt for four people who shot and killed a doctor inside his private medical workplace in Gqeberha on Wednesday night.
Police identified the victim as Bantu Noqekwa.
Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said that, shortly after 19:00, four armed men went into the doctor’s surgery in Njoli Street, Zwide, and shot the victim in the head.
“He died on the scene, then [the men] left the scene and, at this point, it is unknown what the motive for the killing is,” said Beetge.
The provincial health department said: “The health sector is poorer for this senseless and callous killing as it has robbed the community of the Eastern Cape a fine general practitioner. He was a source of healing to those he served,” said Health MEC Nomakhosazana Meth.
“We send our condolences to the Noqekwa family, friends, colleagues, and patients. These senseless attacks on healthcare workers must end.”
According to the department, it had also learned about a robbery that occurred on Wednesday night at another doctor’s practice in the same area.
“We are comforted that his [the other doctor’s] life was spared, though [we] can empathize with the trauma associated with such an experience,” the MEC said according to News24.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the nearest police station.
