Mthatha – Six armed suspects were fatally shot during a confrontation with police on the R61 between Mthatha and Ngcobo, Eastern Cape, on Monday evening.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, the incident occurred at approximately 17:30 on 23 June 2025 during an intelligence-driven operation targeting individuals allegedly involved in extortion in the region.
Police had intercepted a vehicle carrying the suspects.
“The suspects stopped, exited the vehicle, and opened fire on police members,” Gantana said. Officers returned fire in self-defence, resulting in the deaths of all six suspects at the scene.
#sapsEC Six armed suspects were fatally shot during a shootout with police on R 61 between Mthatha and Ngcobo earlier today, 23/06.
The intelligence driven operation targeted individuals suspected of involvement in extortion activities within the area. Police stopped the… pic.twitter.com/kUdV85D0Vg
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) June 23, 2025
The identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed.
Forensic teams remain on-site to process the scene and carry out identification procedures.
Multiple firearms were recovered from the scene and will undergo ballistic testing as part of the investigation.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been notified and will lead an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident, as per standard protocol.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
