Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Eastern Cape

ZWELITSHA - Members attached to Tactical Response Team were on duty when they received information of a person in possession of a firearm around Tombo Administrative area in Port St John's.

On Wednesday, 14 January 2026, the members swiftly followed up the information and on arrival at Tombo area where the vehicle was alleged to be, they could not see the alleged vehicle. As they were joining the R61 towards Mthatha at about 19:15, the suspected vehicle drove past the police vehicle. The members tried to stop the vehicle all in vain, and they then blocked it.

The suspect closed his windows, jumped out of the vehicle and began shooting towards the police vehicle which had a driver as others were approaching the suspect's vehicle. Members tried calling the suspect to stop with no success and they retaliated. The 42-year-old suspect continued shooting and was fatally wounded in the process.

On investigation, Police noticed that their vehicle had a bullet hole but no police members were injured. Police confiscated an unlicensed firearm (revolver) and magazine with ammunition. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was informed and will handle the investigation.

Ends

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Lt Col Siphokazi Mawisa
071 366 1907

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