A Mthatha businessman involved in the public transport industry died in a gunfight with members of the specialised police unit — the Tactical Response Team (TRT) — in Mthatha on Thursday. The businessman, who is from Mqhekezweni village and owns a fleet of taxis and buses, died on the scene. Police provincial spokesperson Brig Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that a police operation earlier on Thursday on the R61 road between KwaDosi and the Mthatha Airport resulted in the death of a suspect after an armed confrontation.
“Members of the Tactical Response Team, [were] acting on actionable intelligence regarding a vehicle suspected of being involved in the possession of unlicensed firearms. “At about 12.45pm, a vehicle matching the description was identified and intercepted on the R61 road. “As police officers approached the vehicle to conduct a search, one occupant exited and immediately opened fire on them.
“In response to this direct and immediate threat, the police officers returned fire. “The suspect was wounded in the exchange,” Gantana said. “All relevant roleplayers, including the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, were summoned to the scene.
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“Emergency Medical Services also attended, however the suspect was declared deceased at the scene.” Police could not immediately release the identity of the person, but the identity of the suspect was confirmed by some family members and taxi owners. Though the incident happened at 12.45pm, by 5pm the road was still closed and vehicles had to be diverted.
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