MTHATHA– A 35-year-old man was fatally shot during a police operation in Mandela Park in Mthatha in the early hours of 23 December after he opened fire on police officers who were conducting a search for illegal firearms.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, a coordinated high-density operation between the specialised Commander’s Recce Team and the Tactical Response Team (TRT) of the OR Tambo District was conducted in the mission area encompassing Bhityi and Mandela Park in the early hours of 23 December 2025.
She said that the intelligence-driven operation commenced at approximately 01:00, targeting locations linked to the possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
Gantana said that at the first target address in Bhityi, a search was conducted at the residence of a person of interest.
“The search, conducted with the necessary permission, was concluded without the discovery of any illicit items. No damage was caused to the property,” said Gantana.
She said that the joint team then proceeded to the second target address in Mandela Park.
Gantana said that upon arrival, police members knocked and announced their presence, but the occupant refused to open the door.
She said that the door was subsequently forced open, at which point a male inside immediately opened fire on the police members.
“A shootout ensued, resulting in the male suspect, approximately 35 years old, sustaining fatal injuries. He was declared deceased on the scene by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel,” said Gantana.
“No SAPS members or bystanders were injured during this incident.”
Gantana said that a 9mm pistol with ammunition was recovered at the scene and has been sent for ballistic testing to establish possible links to other crimes.
She said that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), along with all other relevant role-players, were summoned to the scene and are conducting their respective investigations in line with standard procedure.
Gantana said that a case docket has been opened at the Mthatha Central SAPS.
The following charges were opened for further investigation:
- Attempted murder (18 counts).
- Attack on police (18 counts).
- Unlawful possession of a firearm.
- Unlawful possession of ammunition.
Gantana said that the SAPS management in the Eastern Cape commends the members involved for their bravery and precision in neutralising a dangerous threat, while highlighting that the use of force is always a last resort exercised in response to a direct and immediate threat to life.
“This operation forms part of our sustained festive season safety operations aimed at eradicating illegal firearms and preventing serious and violent crime,” said Gantana.
