A suspect fatally shot during a high-speed police chase in the Eastern Cape has been linked to multiple serious cases, including the murder of a police officer, preliminary investigations have revealed.
The suspect was killed during an intelligence-driven operation in Mbulawa Location, Mqanduli, on Saturday, October 17, after allegedly pointing a firearm at members of the police.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said Tactical Response Team (TRT) members were conducting a follow-up operation targeting a suspect wanted in connection with a murder case when they spotted him driving a white Toyota single-cab bakkie at about 2.30pm.
When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect allegedly sped off, triggering a high-speed chase along the R411 towards Coffee Bay.
The chase continued until the vehicle slowed down in Mbulawa. According to police, the suspect then pointed a firearm directly at the police vehicle, prompting officers to open fire.
“The suspect sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was declared dead on the scene,” Gantana said.
No police officers were injured during the exchange of gunfire.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the deceased was a person of interest in multiple serious cases, including a murder in Thafalehashe and the killing of a police officer at Eziko Tavern in Mqanduli.
The police officer was shot and killed in the tavern incident, which is currently being investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks.
The suspect was reportedly a person of interest in that investigation. Police recovered an AK-47 assault rifle with its serial number filed off during the operation.
The suspect's vehicle was also impounded for further investigation.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been notified and will investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting, in line with standard procedure.
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