Six armed suspects were fatally shot during a shootout with police on the R61 between Mthatha and Ngcobo on Monday evening. The incident occurred at approximately 17:30 following an intelligence-driven operation targeting individuals allegedly involved in extortion activities in the area.
According to police reports, officers intercepted a vehicle carrying the suspects. Upon being stopped, the suspects exited the vehicle and immediately opened fire on the police. Officers returned fire in self-defence, resulting in the fatal shooting of all six suspects.
The identities of the deceased remain unknown at this stage, and forensic processes are underway to formally identify them.
South African Police Service (SAPS) members remain on the scene conducting forensic investigations and processing evidence. Firearms recovered from the suspects will undergo ballistic analysis to determine their possible links to other crimes.
In line with standard procedure, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been notified and will take full responsibility for investigating the incident, as mandated by law.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
