Extortion suspect fires at cops, dies in gunfight

Cape Town – A suspected extortionist was fatally shot during a confrontation with police near Buthongweni Bridge in the Mabheshe Administrative Area in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday evening, 31 July.

According to a statement by police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, at approximately 17:05, members of the Ngqeleni SAPS Visible Policing (Vispol) unit were conducting a patrol when they responded to credible intelligence regarding an armed suspect allegedly involved in extortion activities.

“Upon confrontation at the scene, the suspect drew a handgun and fired at officers who had identified themselves,” said Gantana.

#sapsEC On 31/07 Ngqeleni #SAPS Vispol responded to intel on an armed extortion suspect near Buthongweni bridge. The suspect fired at police; officers returned fire in self-defence, fatally wounding him. A 9mm pistol with an erased serial number & ammo were recovered. IPID is… pic.twitter.com/v8QvtpX6Cg

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 1, 2025

Police returned fire in self-defence, fatally wounding the suspect in the upper body.

A 9mm pistol with a removed serial number and live ammunition were recovered from the scene. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), along with the SAPS Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), processed the scene and confirmed the recovery of the firearm.

There were no injuries reported among police officers involved. SAPS has activated psycho-social support services for the members through its Employee Health and Wellness programme.

IPID has taken over the investigation, which remains ongoing.