A police officer’s bullet-resistant vest was credited with saving his life during a violent shootout on the R61 near Ntafufu Location on Monday, 24 November 2025. The confrontation resulted in the deaths of two alleged drug dealers after they opened fire on pursuing officers.
The incident was set in motion when members of the Operation Command Centre (OCC) acted on intelligence about a green Volkswagen Polo with no rear number plate, which was occupied by two suspected drug dealers. Officers swiftly located and began following the vehicle as it travelled towards Port St John’s.
According to police reports, while negotiating a series of curves along the route, officers attempted to stop the Polo. The driver ignored police instructions and accelerated, prompting a high-speed chase. Police then attempted to overtake the vehicle to block its path and prevent it from fleeing.
At that moment, the suspects opened fire on the officers, who immediately returned fire. The exchange fatally wounded both occupants of the vehicle.
During the shootout, one police official was struck directly in the chest. He survived the potentially fatal shot solely because he was wearing a bullet-resistant vest. The officer was not injured in the incident. The police vehicle, however, was damaged and left with multiple bullet holes.
A subsequent investigation of the scene led to the recovery of a 9mm pistol, which was found with a jammed cartridge in the chamber, as well as a quantity of drugs.
Police have opened cases for two counts of inquest, attempted murder, possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition, and malicious damage to property. As is standard procedure in such incidents, the matter will be referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation.