The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, has expressed his intention to visit the Eastern Cape to commend the officers involved in a dramatic shootout that resulted in the deaths of Yanga ‘Bara’ Nyalara and his bodyguards. Nyalara, a former teacher who became a notorious taxi boss, was known to be an alleged extortion kingpin. He was killed in a violent exchange of gunfire on Thursday along the N2 near Ndabakazi, Butterworth.
The shootout unfolded when a group of cars reportedly pushed police officers off the road. The police attempted to stop the vehicles, leading to a violent confrontation. Seven people were declared dead in the aftermath, including Nyalara. National Commissioner of Police, Fannie Masemola, confirmed the incident, revealing that one of the vehicles involved had previously targeted a traditional leader in a separate act of aggression.
Mchunu praised the police officers for their response, acknowledging the community’s relief over Nyalara’s death. “We have received numerous messages from concerned citizens who were afraid of Nyalara,” Mchunu said. “They are now relieved that he is gone, and we commend the police for their decisive action. The daring nature of these criminals is shocking, as they unprovokedly pushed police officers off the road.”
The Minister also stressed that police officers must protect themselves when faced with danger. “We have made it clear that the police must react with force when their lives are threatened. They are not just protecting themselves but all of us, as our safety depends on their ability to act decisively.”
In the aftermath of the shootout, Mchunu announced that the officers involved, particularly those from the National Intervention Unit, would be provided with trauma counselling to help them cope with the emotional toll of the incident. He acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting that the officers were not only physically threatened but also faced the difficult task of making life-or-death decisions in the heat of the moment.
Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape police, confirmed that the death toll had risen to seven. Police teams, including the K9 Search and Rescue unit, were dispatched to recover bodies from the riverbanks, where one of the vehicles had become stuck. Authorities also recovered a significant arsenal of weapons, including four AK-47 rifles and two pistols, further underscoring the dangerous nature of the confrontation.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the police continue to urge the public to report any individuals they fear, reinforcing the message that crime and violence will not be tolerated. As tensions rise, the community has been reminded that the police will not hesitate to act decisively in the face of threats, sending a strong message that such criminal behavior will be met with the full force of the law.
