Two extortion suspects killed in shootout with police in Chris Hani district

Two suspects allegedly involved in extortion and kidnapping in the Chris Hani district were killed in a shootout with police on the R61 between Komani and Cofimvaba on Saturday afternoon. Eastern Cape provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said on Sunday that the shooting happened at about 3.20pm and involved members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT), a police specialised unit which acted on intelligence regarding a grey Toyota Verso. “The vehicle was reportedly linked to the recent kidnapping of a Chinese national and was being used by suspected extortionists operating in the area.

“The vehicle was intercepted and stopped along the R61, near Hafton Farm between Komani and Cofimvaba. “During the stop, a suspect seated in the rear of the vehicle allegedly opened fire on the officers,” Gantana said. “In line with tactical police procedure, the TRT members were compelled to return fire to defend themselves.

“Both suspects sustained fatal wounds during the exchange.” She said one of the deceased had been positively identified, while the second was still unidentified. As was standard practice in incidents involving police discharges, the matter had been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, Gantana said. In January, at least four suspects were killed in different shootouts with police on three consecutive days.

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Those killed included Mthatha businessman Mathongo Menye, 45, from Mqhekezweni in the Bhityi area, who was shot dead on the R61 between Cicirha (KwaDosi) and the Mthatha Airport in the west of Mthatha. Menye owned a number of buses and taxis and was a member of the ANC in Mqhekezweni and a member of the Mqhekezweni Traditional Council in the Bhityi area outside Mthatha.

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