A 38-year-old police sergeant attached to the Mthatha National Intervention Unit was granted R3,000 bail on 27 May 2026 for allegedly killing 37-year-old Bude Phuka and burning his body on 2 May 2026 in Indwe, near Queenstown in the Eastern Cape.

According to reports, Phuka’s girlfriend alleges that she was with him at a local liquor establishment when the accused officer, Zamikhaya Mqolo—who is her ex-partner and was off duty at the time—got into an argument with Phuka and began assaulting him.

The girlfriend claimed she tried to intervene but was overpowered by Mqolo.

Phuka then decided to leave the establishment in his car. However, Mqolo allegedly pursued him in his own vehicle.

The following day, 3 May 2026, Phuka’s charred body was found inside his burnt vehicle on the R56 outside Indwe.

Investigators collected R5 rifle cartridges from the crime scene.

As part of its investigation, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) had to collect DNA samples from Phuka’s family to verify if the charred remains were indeed his.

The family has been kept abreast of all developments in the matter and has expressed gratitude to IPID for the speedy finalisation of the DNA analysis.

The case has been remanded to 29 July 2026 for further investigations.