Three armed men killed after gunfire exchange with police in Mqanduli

Three armed men were shot dead by police after they allegedly opened fire on officers during an intelligence-driven operation in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape. The incident took place on Thursday, August 27, during an operation by a multidisciplinary police team, police said.

Officers acting on intelligence found men at a homestead

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said members of the Commander’s Recce Team, Mthatha Crime Intelligence, Provincial Head Office Crime Intelligence and the OR Tambo Tactical Response Team acted on information about armed men in the Mqanduli area. The information led the team to a homestead in Khovoti Locality, Lucwecwe Administrative Area, in Mqanduli.

Gunfire exchanged after knock on the door

Gantana said:

“Upon arrival, the team knocked on a house at the homestead and announced their presence.”

Instead of an audible response, officers were met with gunfire from inside the dwelling, she said. The SAPS members returned fire, wounding all three suspects.

Emergency Medical Services were called to the scene, where the three men were certified dead. Gantana said no SAPS members were injured.

Weapons and exhibits recovered; IPID notified

Police recovered three unlicensed firearms at the scene: two pistols with their serial numbers filed off and a shotgun with no serial number. Ammunition was also seized and all exhibits were processed by the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Gantana said.

The victims were described as adult men from Magutywa Location, kuTsolo, aged between 40 and 46. Gantana said their identities are known to the investigating team but are not being disclosed at this stage.

Investigations under way

In line with prescribed procedures, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was summoned to the scene, Gantana said. An inquest docket and a case of attack on police have been opened at Mqanduli SAPS for further investigation.

Gantana praised the officers involved and said:

“The SAPS remains resolute in bringing violent criminals to justice.”

Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.