EASTERN CAPE – Three alleged extortionists were shot and killed during a shootout with police in Elliotdale (Xhora) on Thursday afternoon.

According to police, members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) were acting on operational intelligence aimed at disrupting suspected criminal activities when they spotted a white Toyota Fortuner believed to be linked to suspected extortionists.

The operation took place at approximately 17:00 on Thursday, 13 August.

Police said the vehicle, which matched the description provided in the intelligence, was spotted near a scrapyard. Two of the three occupants allegedly got out of the vehicle and opened fire on the police officers.

The officers returned fire, fatally wounding all three male suspects, aged between 36 and 57.

Two firearms were recovered at the scene.

Elliotdale police have opened a case of three counts of attempted murder, three counts of inquest, possession of unlicensed firearms and intimidation.

The investigation has been transferred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

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