A robbery suspect was fatally shot while two others managed to flee following a shootout with members from the SAPS Tactical Response TEAM (TRT) in Madeira on Saturday, 3 May 2025
It is alleged that on the above-mentioned date, at about 13:30, members from the SAPS Tactical Response Team in Mthatha were on duty traveling in Bridge Street from Norwood to Mthatha CBD.
The information in police records indicate that members came across a robbery incident in progress, where three armed men were robbing a pedestrian on the roadside.
The driver stopped, and members alighted the vehicle. It is further said that the three armed men, on seeing the police approaching, they fled to the nearby bushes under the N2 Bridge to Norwood, and members gave chase on foot.
It is further alleged that as the suspects were in the bushes, one of them opened fire, and members who were approaching retaliated, and he was fatally shot. Police also recovered a revolver with ammunition. Two other suspects managed to flee and disappeared in the bushes. No police officers were injured during the shootout.
The recovered firearm will be sent for ballistic testing.
A case of attempted murder with an additional charge of possession of unlicenced firearm and ammunition was opened for further investigation. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will investigate an inquest docket to look at the circumstances surrounding the death of the suspect.
OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana said, “We have launched a manhunt for the two other suspects, who are still at large. Police will strive towards combating serious and violent crimes in the OR Tambo District, and are also urging residents with information that could lead to the arrest of the other two suspects to contact the nearest police station. The information may also be shared via Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
