MQANDULI, EASTERN CAPE – An armed suspect linked to several high-profile murder cases, including the killing of a police officer, was fatally wounded during a coordinated, intelligence-driven police operation. An unlicensed AK-47 assault rifle was recovered during the operation.

During the operation, an unlicensed AK-47 assault rifle was recovered.

Eastern Cape SAPS said in a statement that members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) were conducting a follow-up operation on Saturday 17 October regarding a suspect wanted in connection with a murder case.

The operation led members to Mbulawa Location, Mqanduli, where the suspect was spotted driving a white Toyota single-cab bakkie. When members attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect sped off, initiating a high-speed chase along the R411 towards Coffee Bay.

“Upon reaching Mbulawa, the suspect’s vehicle slowed down. As TRT members approached, the suspect pointed a firearm directly at the police vehicle,” SAPS said. “Perceiving an imminent threat to their lives, the members retaliated. The suspect sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was declared dead on the scene. No police members were injured during the exchange.”

One AK-47 assault rifle with a filed-off serial number was recovered. The suspect’s vehicle was impounded for further investigation.

Deceased linked to multiple murder cases

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the deceased suspect was a person of interest in multiple serious cases:

• Thafalehashe: A murder case where the deceased was a suspect.
• Mqanduli: The murder of a police officer who was shot and killed at Eziko Tavern. The suspect was also a person of interest in this case, which is currently under investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been notified and will investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting, as is standard procedure.

ALSO READ: Police looking for assistance following ATM bombing in Qwaqwa