Off-duty Eastern Cape cop shot dead outside his home

CAPE TOWN - Police in the Eastern Cape are investigating the murder of an off-duty police officer after he was found dead in his home at the weekend. 

The 58-year-old was shot and killed outside his home in KwaMabefu Location outside Qonce on Saturday.

Police said the officer was off duty at the time of his murder, and was attached to the stock theft and endangered species unit. 

READ: 17 police officers killed between July and September, says Hawks

According to provincial spokesperson Siphokazi Mawisa, a manhunt into the murder of the officer has been launched. 

Mawisa said the motive for the killing is still unknown at this stage. 

"When police arrived on the scene, they were shown his body with a bullet wound [to] his head. Upon investigation, they noticed that nothing was taken from his belongings, and his vehicle was at the scene. The case has been transferred to the Hawks for further investigation."