In an unusual and fatal incident on Sunday, an off-duty police sergeant lost his life after a shootout with Eastern Cape Tactical Response Team (TRT) officers in Mqanduli.
Story Summary:
- An off-duty police sergeant was killed in a shootout with Tactical Response Team (TRT) officers in Mqanduli.
- The shootout began when the sergeant allegedly fired at officers investigating a tip about armed suspects.
- A stolen revolver was recovered at the scene, linking the incident to a previous case in Hillbrow.
Eastern Cape police kill one of their own in bizarre encounter
According to the police report, the altercation occurred around 16:00 on Sunday, 3 November 2024, when TRT officers from Mthatha responded to intelligence suggesting the presence of armed suspects near a bottle store in Dobe location, Mqanduli.
As police arrived on the scene, several suspects scattered in different directions, but one man, positioned at the bottle store entrance, opened fire on the officers.
Law enforcement retaliated, returning fire to subdue the threat.
The 42-year-old man was fatally wounded in the exchange.
Following the shootout, officers recovered an unlicensed revolver, later identified as having been stolen in Hillbrow in 2021.
Further investigation confirmed the deceased was an off-duty police sergeant from Madeira SAPS, stationed within the OR Tambo District.
The discovery that the deceased suspect was a fellow officer has raised questions and prompted a police inquest to understand the circumstances leading to the confrontation.
Eastern Cape police have initiated an investigation into the shooting, probing the sergeant’s presence at the location and the possible reasons he may have opened fire on his colleagues.
The TRT officers were reportedly acting on credible intelligence indicating that a group of armed suspects would be in the area.
It remains unclear if the off-duty sergeant was intentionally targeted by the TRT operation or if his involvement was coincidental.
Police spokespersons have not disclosed whether the sergeant was known to be involved in any criminal activities or if the intelligence was specifically connected to him.
Meanwhile, an independent police investigation is underway to ensure impartiality in reviewing the actions taken during the operation.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner extended condolences to the sergeant’s family and assured the public that the police would leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth surrounding his death.
