The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape is still working to identify two individuals who were killed alongside suspected Mthatha extortionist Dalinzolo Mareke during a shootout with police officers near Mthatha last night.
According to authorities, the incident occurred when the suspects confronted officers regarding a police operation conducted at the home of one of the suspects. During the confrontation, a shootout ensued, resulting in the deaths of the three suspects. One police officer was injured in the exchange.
O.R. Tambo District Police Commissioner, Major-General Phumzilo Cetyana, condemned the suspects' actions, stating, "That is behavior we cannot tolerate, especially within a police base. The suspects allegedly shot at the officers first, and the police retaliated appropriately to protect the base."
The investigation into the identities of the two individuals is ongoing.
