Suspect linked to police officer’s murder fatally shot in Mqanduli

A suspect linked to several murder cases, including the killing of a police officer at a tavern in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape, has been fatally shot during a confrontation with police.

The suspect was shot dead by members of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Tactical Response Team (TRT) during an intelligence-driven operation at Mbulawa Location on Saturday afternoon.

According to police, the officers were conducting a follow-up operation relating to a suspect wanted in connection with a murder case when they spotted him driving a white Toyota single-cab bakkie at about 14:30.

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect allegedly sped off, prompting a high-speed chase along the R411 towards Coffee Bay.

Police said the vehicle slowed down when it reached Mbulawa. As officers approached, the suspect allegedly pointed a firearm directly at their vehicle.

“Perceiving an imminent threat to their lives, the members retaliated,” police said.

The suspect sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene. No police officers were injured.

An unlicensed AK-47 assault rifle with a filed-off serial number was recovered, while the suspect’s vehicle was impounded for further investigation.

Police said preliminary investigations had linked the deceased to a murder case in Thafalehashe and identified him as a person of interest in the killing of a police officer at Eziko Tavern in Mqanduli.

The police officer’s murder is being investigated 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.