Police kill four suspected kidnappers in Eastern Cape, Hawks investigating

Four men were killed and a fifth injured after they opened fire on police when cornered during a raid conducted by the police’s specialist Tactical Response Team (TRT) on Wednesday.

The TRT, based in Mdantsane, had received information of illegal firearms being stashed in a house in Marikana in Keiskammahoek. TRT members found the suspects on the property and cornered them as they tried to flee through the back exits.

“They started shooting at the police,” Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said.

“Members retaliated, and during the process, four suspects were fatally wounded… one suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to the nearest hospital. The deceased suspects, aged between 29 and 40, are known, but their identities are withheld. The fifth suspect, aged 38, is currently under police guard. Police members escaped unscathed,” she added.

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The MEC for Community Safety, Xolile Nqatha, said the five men are suspected of being kidnappers. Kidnapping cases in the Eastern Cape have increased sharply in the past few months. 

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According to a statement issued by the MEC, bloodstains were found in the house which suggests victims were tortured at the property. Two stolen vehicles were also found during the raid.

Nqatha said he was “particularly pleased that the fight against hardened criminals who dare to take on police is gaining momentum”.

“I am quite thrilled that our message is getting clearer that we will not allow criminal behaviour to take over the hard-won freedom from our beloved citizens,” he added.

The Hawks did not immediately confirm that the property, suspects, vehicles or firearms are linked to any of the kidnapping cases they are investigating, but spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said they were in the process of establishing if there were any links. 

Police recovered three unlicensed firearms and ammunition and two bakkies – a Toyota Hilux and a Corsa – which are believed to be stolen.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt-Gen Nomthetheleli Mene said she appreciated the efforts of the members in ensuring the safety of communities.

“Police will always be hot on the heels of the suspects to ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens. I commend members for their tactical acumen and their level of alertness during their tour of duty, as none of our members were injured,” Mene said. 

Kidnapping scourge