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Graphic of a shooting scene
A suspect has been fatally wounded during a shootout with Eastern Cape Police on the R61 road between Cicira and the Mthatha Airport.
This follows an operation of a vehicle which matched the description that is suspected of being in possession of unlicensed firearms.
It’s alleged that when the police approached the vehicle to conduct a search, one occupant exited and immediately opened fire on them.
Police then responded by returning fire and the suspect was subsequently fatally wounded.
Police spokesperson, Nobuntu Gantana elaborates, “As police officers approached the vehicle to conduct a search, one occupant exited and immediately opened fire on them. In response to this direct and immediate threat, the police officers returned fire to neutralize the attack. The suspect was wounded in the exchange. All relevant role-players, including the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), were summoned to the scene. Emergency Medical Services also attended; however, the suspect was declared deceased at the scene.”
Police involved in shooting on R61 near Mthatha, suspect fatally woundedhttps://t.co/OLMOd1NBsj#ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/sf1vQKlNgP
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 8, 2026
