‘He stood his ground until the end’: SAPS mourns Captain Zamani Mzayiya - IOL

Captain Zamani Mzayiya was laid to rest in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, on Saturday after he was killed during a police operation in Knysna last month.

Captain Zamani Mzayiya was hailed as a dedicated police officer who never backed down during his final farewell as he was laid to rest on Saturday. 

During the service, the South African Police Service (SAPS) sounded the alarm over attacks on police officers after revealing that 10 members have already been killed in the line of duty since the start of the current financial year, as it laid tactical commander Captain Zamani Mzayiya to rest in the Eastern Cape on Saturday.

Speaking at Mzayiya's funeral service in Queenstown, Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane described the number of police deaths as a “deeply alarming and unacceptable reality”.

Mzayiya, a member of the Tactical Response Team (TRT), was killed during an operation in Knysna in the early hours of August 26, 2026, after police acted on information about illegal firearms at the Sewende Laan informal settlement.

The operation formed part of a police response to a series of fatal shootings in Knysna, including the murder of councillor and former mayor Aubrey Tsengwa and two other people in separate incidents.

According to Dimpane, Mzayiya became involved in a fatal exchange of gunfire during the operation.

The suspect accused of shooting the police captain was also killed, while two firearms were recovered.

“Captain Mzayiya confronted danger in the execution of his duty. In the early hours of Wednesday, 26 August 2026, during an operation linked to information about illegal firearms at the Sewende Laan informal settlement, he became involved in a fatal exchange of gunfire.”

Dimpane said Mzayiya remained committed to the operation until the end.

“He did not retreat from danger. He stood his ground until the very end.”

The SAPS condemned attacks on its members, warning that the killing of police officers undermined not only law enforcement but the rule of law.

“The South African Police Service and Government unequivocally condemn the killing of police officers and regard every attack on a police member as an attack on the rule of law and the safety of our communities.”

Dimpane said Mzayiya’s killing, during Police Safety Month, underscored the dangers faced by officers and the need for stronger action against criminals who use firearms against police.

She said the SAPS had a responsibility not only to support the families of slain officers but to make “decisive interventions” against what she described as the “unacceptable criminality of turning firearms against police officers”.

Communities were also urged to isolate those responsible for killing police officers.

“We therefore call upon communities to use their powerful collective voice to reject, condemn and isolate those who kill police officers - because protecting our police is protecting our communities, our Constitution and our future.”

Mzayiya leaves behind his wife, Phumla, and five children — Anathi, Mihle, twins Mange and Imange, and seven-year-old Omisa.

The SAPS pledged to support his children through its Education Trust to help them pursue their studies and future ambitions.

“Through the SAPS Education Trust, we will ensure that his children are supported to pursue their academic or dreams and aspirations.”

Closing the tribute, Dimpane said Mzayiya would be remembered for his courage, discipline and years of service.

“Captain Zamani Mzayiya, you answered the call. You stood in harm’s way. You fought until the end. You wore the badge with honour for 24 years. Today, we salute you.”

“In your honour, the fight against crime continues. We owe it to your courageous fighting spirit.”