A shootout at the National Intervention Unit (NIU) premises in Mthatha on 4 September has left three armed suspects fatally shot, and one police Warrant Officer injured.

South African Police Service (SAPS) members attached to the National Intervention Unit were involved in a disruptive operation in Mthatha West earlier in the day, police reported. Upon completion of the operation, they returned to their unit premises at the Embassy Building in Mthatha. On their way, officers noticed they were being followed by two vehicles, a Nissan Qashqai and a Toyota Fortuner.

As they arrived at the premises, the two vehicles stopped behind the NIU members, and three men armed with firearms exited and immediately opened fire. Police returned fire, fatally wounding the three men.

One police Warrant Officer sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to hospital for medical attention.

One of the deceased suspects was identified as Sakhumzi Mareke and was a person of interest in several incidents of extortion in the Mthatha area.

A case of attempted murder has been opened for further investigation, the SAPS said. An inquest docket was additionally opened and transferred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further handling. Three firearms with ammunition were also recovered from the scene.

Eastern Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, said, “This is one of the worst forms of attack on police. The incident was shocking and despicable.” The Commissioner urged members to always be on alert, and to “heed safety precautionary measures and be operationally ready.”