Three armed suspects shot dead in Mqanduli police shootout

The body of one of three armed men shot dead by police in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape, lies in the road.

Three armed men aged between 40 and 46 were shot dead by police after they allegedly opened fire on officers during an operation in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape.

The shooting occurred on Thursday, August 27, during an intelligence-driven operation by a multidisciplinary police team.

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.

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

Gantana said that instead of receiving an audible response, officers were met with gunfire from inside the dwelling.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called to the scene, where the three men were certified dead.

She said the three were adult men from Magutywa Location, kuTsolo, aged between 40 and 46.

“Their identities are known to the investigating team, but are not being disclosed at this stage of the investigation.”

Three unlicensed firearms were recovered from the scene, including two pistols with their serial numbers filed off and a shotgun with no serial number.

“Ammunition was also seized as exhibits. All exhibits were processed by the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC).”

Gantana said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was summoned to the scene in line with prescribed procedures.

“An inquest docket, as well as a case of attack on police, has been opened at Mqanduli SAPS for further investigation,” she said.