Police gun down suspect, while others flee. Image credit: Pixabay.
(The Post News)- A 21 year-old suspect was fatally shot during a shootout with police at Nothintsila, Ngqeleni, on Monday, 10 November 2025.
The confrontation occurred when police acted on intelligence. They were pursuing suspects linked to a recent armed robbery at a nature reserve outside Mthatha.
According to police reports, police received information about a group of suspects linked to the robbery. The suspects were accused of stealing firearms during the incident. Acting on the tip-off, the officers tactically approached a homestead in Nothintsila believed to be harboring the suspects.
By surprise, as they approached the house, the officers reportedly came under heavy gunfire from within the premises.
“The suspects opened fire as soon as the police approached. Our members had no choice but to return fire in self-defense,” said Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Thembinkosi Kinana.
In the ensuing exchange, one of the suspects was fatally wounded, while others managed to flee into the surrounding area. No police officers were injured during the incident. While the scene was being processed, the remaining suspects who had escaped allegedly continued firing sporadically from nearby bushes. They attempted to distract and scare off the police.
Despite the hostile situation, officers managed to secure the area and recover a 9 mm pistol. It was later identified as an NP 20 Parabellum, along with live ammunition. Brigadier Kinana confirmed that a case of attempted murder on police officials, possession of an unlicensed firearm. Inquest dockets had been opened for investigation.
“We will not rest until the remaining suspects are apprehended and brought to justice,” he said.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene commended the officers for their bravery and commitment under fire. She reiterated the police stance against attacks on law enforcement officers. She further warned that anyone who engages in armed confrontation with police should expect a firm and lawful response.
“The safety of our communities depends on the rule of law. We urge anyone with information about the whereabouts of the remaining suspects to report ,” Mene said.
Police continue with their investigations. The identity of the deceased suspect will be released once his family has been formally notified. Members of the public are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 with any information that will help the ongoing investigation.
Crime Stats in Eastern Cape
For the quarter between January and March 2025, the Eastern Cape recorded 1,020 murders. This illustrates a murder rate of approximately 15.4 per 100,000 people, according to reports by the Daily Dispatch and the South African Police Service. The province continues to struggle with violent crime, maintaining one of the highest murder rates in the country.
Over the entire 2024/25 financial year, about 4,804 murders were reported in the province. According to Algoa FM, an alarming figure that translates to more than 13 lives lost every day on average. Despite efforts to curb violence, the Eastern Cape remains one of South Africa’s most dangerous regions. Crime affects both urban and rural communities.
The province also recorded the highest rape rate in South Africa, with about 24.7 cases per 100,000 people reported in recent quarterly data. These figures, highlighted by the Daily Dispatch, underline the ongoing challenge of gender-based violence that continues to plague the province.
Despite that, some improvements have been noted. In the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, certain categories of “contact crimes” showed a decline. Murders cases dropped by 12%, common robberies with aggravating circumstances decreased by 19.6%, and carjackings fell by 32.4%.
Despite these gains, other forms of crime have risen. Burglaries increased by 8.5%, and incidents of driving under the influence went up by 22.5% during the same period. Despite some progress, crime remains a serious and ongoing challenge in the Eastern Cape.
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