SAA event in South Africa on Wed 4th September 2024

Three people were killed and a police officer wounded during a shootout in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, on Wednesday afternoon.

One of the three killed was controversial Mthatha West traditional leader Nkosi Dalinzolo Mareke, 42, according to another local traditional leader, Nkosi JJ Ndzambule, who spoke to News24 on Wednesday evening. 

"I can confirm he is dead. He was killed by police, including two other men," said Ndzambule, who calls himself a "commander" of Mthatha West traditional leaders.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said the shootout took place at the National Intervention Unit (NIU) base at around 16:30. 

The NIU had been involved in an operation and was returning to their base at the Embassy Building in Mthatha, when they realised they were being tailed.

"On their way, they noticed that they were being followed by two vehicles, a Nissan Qashqai and a Toyota Fortuner," said Mawisa.

As officers arrived at the Embassy Building, the two vehicles stopped behind them. Three armed men alighted and opened fire. Police retaliated, fatally wounding the three men.

Mawisa said one police officer was injured and was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

He added that Mareke "was a person of interest in several incidents of extortion in the Mthatha area".

"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 for further handling. Three firearms with ammunition were also recovered from the scene."

In August, at least three schools in Mthatha West were approached by extortionists who demanded protection fees.

On 20 August, AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo visited Laphumikhwezi Primary School in Mandela Park, Mthatha West, after the school was closed for a week by extortionists.

The extortionists demanded a share in the profit the school was making from the rental of a cellphone tower by a service provider.

At the time, Dalindyebo said he did not recognise Mareke as a traditional leader and accused him of being the mastermind behind the extortions in Mthatha West. 

In a widely circulated voice note, Mareke then defended the people who demanded protection fees from Laphumikhwezi and the Efata School for Blind and Deaf. He said the schools were the property of the local community.

Eastern Cape police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene said the incident was one of the worst forms of attack on police.

"The incident was shocking and despicable. The members [police officers] are urged to be on alert at all times and must always heed safety precautionary measures and be operationally ready."