A high-stakes police operation turned deadly on Monday, June 23, 2025, when six armed suspects were fatally shot in a fierce shootout with South African Police Service (SAPS) members on the R61 road between Mthatha and Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape.
The deadly exchange erupted during an intelligence-driven operation aimed at dismantling a suspected extortion syndicate believed to be terrorizing local businesses and communities. According to SAPS Eastern Cape, the suspects opened fire when confronted, prompting a swift and deadly response from the police.
Four firearms were recovered from the scene, underscoring the armed threat the group posed. Investigators have cordoned off the stretch of the R61 highway as forensic teams process the area and gather evidence.
This latest confrontation marks a significant escalation in SAPS efforts to clamp down on organized criminal activity in the region, especially crimes involving extortion, which have spiked in recent months. The identities of the deceased suspects have not yet been disclosed, and authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine their full network and connections.
The dramatic shootout has sparked both public concern and praise, with many calling for continued crackdowns on violent criminal groups. The R61 remains closed until further notice as police secure the scene and trace possible accomplices.
