Cape Town – Sakhumzi Mareke, 42, a person of interest in several extortion cases in Mthatha, was fatally shot along with two other armed suspects in a shootout with police at the National Intervention Unit (NIU) premises in Mthatha on September 4, 2024, around 16:30.
The incident occurred as members of the NIU were returning from a disruptive operation at Mthatha West.
While en route to their unit premises at the Embassy Building, officers noticed they were being followed by two suspicious vehicles, a Nissan Qashqai and a Toyota Fortuner. Upon arrival at their premises, three armed men exited the vehicles and immediately opened fire on the police, police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said.
“Police retaliated fatally wounding the three men.
“One police officer, a Warrant Officer in his forties, sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
#sapsEC Three armed suspects were fatally shot and one police officer was injured, following a shootout at the National Intervention Unit in Mthatha today at about 16:30. A formal statement will follow soon. NP pic.twitter.com/ygl6tNZOz2
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 4, 2024
“One of the deceased persons is Sakhumzi Mareke (42) and was a person of interest in several incidents of extortion in the Mthatha area,” Mawisa said in a statement.
She said that three firearms with ammunition were recovered at the scene.
A case of attempted murder has been opened, and an inquest docket has been transferred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation.
Eastern Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, condemned the attack, calling it “one of the worst forms of attack on police” and urged officers to remain vigilant and adhere to safety measures.
“This is one of the worst forms of attack on police. The incident was shocking and despicable. The members are urged to be on alert at all times and must always heed safety precautionary measures and be operationally ready,” Mene said.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu last week identified the Eastern Cape as one of the four provinces with the highest crime rates in South Africa, with extortion being a major concern.
During a National Assembly sitting, Mchunu said that there is an operational plan in place involving both provincial and local governments to combat extortion.
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Compiled byBetha Madhomu
