A confrontation between police and three suspected extortionists in Ngqeleni, Eastern Cape, resulted in the fatal shooting of the suspects on November 3, 2026. The incident occurred in Nothintsila village, where members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) from Mthatha encountered the men allegedly involved in extorting money from local businesses. According to police spokesperson Nobuntu Gantana, officers had received information about the suspects and approached them, leading to a shootout.
The suspects allegedly opened fire on the police officers, who retaliated, resulting in the fatal wounding of all three suspects. No police members were injured during the confrontation. Police recovered three pistols with serial numbers filed off at the scene. The suspects have not yet been identified, and cases of attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition have been opened.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) was called to the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. This incident is the latest in a series of armed confrontations between police and suspected criminals in the province over the past three months, several of which have been linked to alleged extortion and attacks on police officers.
Since August, there have been six deadly confrontations between police and suspected criminals in the Eastern Cape, resulting in the deaths of 16 suspects. On August 27, three suspects were killed during an intelligence-driven police operation in the Lucwecwe administrative area of Khovoti, near Mqanduli. Police recovered three unlicensed firearms during the operation.
Further incidents occurred on September 18 and 19, when three suspects were killed in police operations in the Ziphunzana and Ngolo areas outside Mthatha. These operations followed the murders of two police officers, Warrant Officer Thando Magoxo, 51, and Constable Ntlahla Tyhali, 30, who were killed while responding to an extortion complaint at a spaza shop.
More recently, on October 6, four suspects were shot dead during a confrontation with members of the Motherwell TRT in Mtshekisani Street, KwaDwesi, Gqeberha. Two 9mm Norinco pistols and a toy gun were recovered at the scene. Less than two weeks later, on October 17, another suspect was killed following a high-speed police chase along the R411 between Mqanduli and Coffee Bay.
The police have appealed to anyone with information that could help identify the three men killed on Monday, or who has knowledge of alleged extortion activities in Ngqeleni, to come forward. The SAPS remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and will continue to act decisively against criminal elements.
Key points
- The death toll of suspects killed in shootouts with Eastern Cape police has risen to 16 since August.
- The incidents are part of a concerted crackdown on extortion rackets across the province.
- The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has initiated an investigation into the latest shootout.
