Three-armed suspects have been shot and killed during an intelligence-driven police operation in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape.
Police said the incident happened on the evening of 26 August 2026 after a multidisciplinary team received information about armed men operating in the area.
The team, comprising members of the Commander’s Recce Team, Mthatha Crime Intelligence, Provincial Head Office Crime Intelligence and the OR Tambo Tactical Response Team, followed the information to a homestead in Khovoti Locality, Lucwecwe Administrative Area.
According to police, officers knocked on the door of a house and announced their presence.
“Instead of an audible response, shots were fired from inside the dwelling towards the police members,” police said.
The officers returned fire, wounding all three suspects.
Emergency Medical Services were called to the scene and certified the three men dead.
“No SAPS members sustained any injuries,” police said.
The deceased were identified as adult males from Magutywa Location, kuTsolo, aged between 40 and 46. Police said their identities are known to investigators but would not be disclosed at this stage.
Three unlicensed firearms were recovered, including two pistols with their serial numbers filed off and a shotgun with no serial number. Ammunition was also seized.
An inquest docket, as well as a case of attack on police, has been opened at Mqanduli SAPS for further investigation.
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