Johannesburg,South Africa

The South African Police Service's unit known as National Intervention Unit(NIU) has gunned down Mthatha's extortion kingpin Sakhumzi Mareke on Wednesday afternoon at Mthatha in Eastern Cape.

Mareke was neutralised with his two right-hand men when they attacked police and one police officer was injured in that shootout.

Police said three armed suspects were fatally shot,and one police officer(Warrant Officer) was injured following a shootout at the National Intervention Unit premises in Mthatha today,04 September 2024 at about 16:30.

According to police statement,in one of the attempts to suppress criminal activities at Mthatha,members attached to the National Intervention Unit(NIU) were involved in a disruptive operation at Mthatha West.On completion of the operation,members proceeded to their unit premises at the Embassy Building in Mthatha.On their way,they noticed that they were being followed by two vehicles,a Nissan Qashqai and a Toyota Fortuner.

Police emphasised that as members arrived at the premises,the two suspicious vehicles stopped behind them,and the three men armed with firearms alighted and immediately opened fire.Police retaliated fatally wounding the three men.

Police added that one police officer,a Warrant Officer in his forties,sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

Police also revealed that one of the deceased persons is Sakhumzi Mareke(42) and was a person of interest in several incidents of extortion in the Mthatha area.

Police mentioned that a case of attempted murder was opened for further investigation.An inquest docket was also opened and will be transferred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate(IPID) for further handling.Three firearms with ammunition were also recovered from the scene.

The actions of these criminals has been disapproved by the leadership of police in the province of Eastern Cape and advised police to be at all times be alert.

"This is one of the worst forms of attack on police.The incident was shocking and despicable.The members are urged to be on alert at all times and must always heed safety precautionary measures and be operationally ready,"said Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene,Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner.