A joint operation between the Hawks Kidnapping Task Team and the East London SAPS Tactical Response Team (TRT) on 04 February 2026 resulted in one suspect fatally wounded and two arrested, following a shootout.
The operation stemmed from an investigation into multiple kidnapping and armed robbery cases in Izele, Ndevana, Dimbaza, and Zwelitsha. Police identified a white Ford Fiesta suspected in these crimes.
After locating the vehicle with three occupants near King William’s Town, police intervened. One suspect opened fire. Police returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect. Two other suspects, aged 27 and 29, were arrested unharmed.
Police recovered three unlicensed firearms, eight cellphones, several SIM cards, and the vehicle. Investigation confirmed the suspects’ link to the reported kidnappings.
The two arrested suspects will appear in the Qonce Magistrate’s Court on 06 February 2026, facing charges of kidnapping and robbery with a firearm.