The SAPS in the Eastern Cape has kicked off an investigation to nab the killers of Elona Sombulula, a young District Court prosecutor who was based in the Ngcobo Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday night.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Sombulula (30) joined the NPA through the aspirant prosecutor program in 2022 and he was acting as a regional court prosecutor when he was shot dead.

It added this devastating incident has sent waves of grief through the NPA and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) of the eastern Cape Barry Madolo, expressing shock and dismay, said that the young prosecutor was one of the NPA’s rising stars, a dedicated public servant who served the people of South Africa with integrity and courage.

The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Adv Shamila Batohi condemned the killing of Sombulula, in the strongest terms.

“Any attack on a prosecutor is an attack on the rule of law, on justice and on the very foundation of our constitutional democracy. Our deepest condolences to Mr Sombulula’s family and loved ones. We will honour his memory by continuing the work he so bravely carried out,” she said.

The SAPS said Sombulula was returning home from Mthatha when he was attacked near his residence. He was on foot when an unknown assailant or assailants opened fire, fatally wounding him. Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim sustained a single gunshot wound to the head. Crime scene investigators recovered three 9mm pistol cartridges at the scene.

Authorities are investigating all possibilities, including whether the attack was related to the victim’s work as a prosecutor or other personal circumstances.

‘The SAPS assures the public that all information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” the police said.