Police are searching for unknown gunmen who shot dead two Pietermaritzburg police officers on Saturday night in the Taylor’s Halt area, Pietermaritzburg.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele confirm the incident.

 Mbele said the two officers who were identified as Sergeant Makhosaze Mdlangathi (33) and Sergeant Mfikelwa Mtolo (36) stationed at the Plessislaer and Richmond police station respectively were in relationship and the unknown killers caught up with them while driving to Mtolo’s homestead.

TimesLIVE report indicated that nearly 30 pistol and rifle cartridges were discovered on the scene, and the couple had multiple gunshot wounds in their bodies.

Mbele also said the couple’s firearms were not found at the scene and Mtolo’s cellphone was also taken.

The motive for the killing is still unknown but KwaZulu-Natal government has condemned the brutal murders of the two officers.

Acting transport and community safety MEC Kwazi Mshengu has appealed to investigators to leave no stone unturned in the search for the men behind the murders.

These murders come just few days after another police officer was gunned down while protecting a gender-based violence victim and government has expressed concern over the targeted killings of police officers.

Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to apprehend the men behind the recent killings and police have been urged to use all means necessary to defend themselves once they’re attacked.