Three armed suspects were killed, and a police officer wounded in a dramatic shooting incident in Mthatha late on Wednesday afternoon.
Police named one of the deceased as 42-year-old Sakhumzi Mareke, who was a person of interest in several incidents of extortion in the Mthatha area.
The reportedly self-proclaimed traditional leader appeared in a television news interview recently denying the claims against him.
In a statement on Wednesday night, provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, said that the shooting occurred when the officers were returning to their base after a disruptive operation in Mthatha west.
“On their way, they noticed that they were being followed by two vehicles, a Nissan Qashqai and a Toyota Fortuner.
“As members arrived at the premises, the two suspicious vehicles stopped behind them, and the three men armed with firearms alighted and immediately opened fire.
“Police retaliated fatally wounding the three men," Mawisa said.
One police officer, a Warrant Officer in his forties, sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
A case of attempted murder was opened for further investigation.
Mawisa said an inquest docket was also opened and will be transferred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further handling.
“Three firearms with ammunition were also recovered from the scene,” she said.
Eastern Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene, said, "This is one of the worst forms of attack on police.
“The members are urged to be on alert at all times and must always heed safety precautionary measures and be operationally ready, "added Mene
