Three suspected extortionists shot dead by police in Ngqeleni
Three men suspected of extorting local shops died in a gunfight with a police tactical team in Ngqeleni, and the police watchdog is now investigating.
Three men suspected of extorting money from businesses in Ngqeleni in the Eastern Cape were shot dead by police on Monday, 2 November 2026, IOL reported. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is looking into what happened.
What police say happened
According to Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, who speaks for police in the province, members of the SAPS Tactical Response Team (TRT) based in Mthatha received information about three men allegedly collecting money from local shops. The tip-off led officers to Nothintsila Locality at about 10.15am.
Gantana said the officers spotted three men who matched the descriptions they had been given while driving on a gravel road in the area. The police stopped their vehicles and approached the group. Police say the men then fired at the officers, who returned fire.
All three suspects were fatally wounded and died at the scene. Gantana confirmed that “No police members were injured”.
Firearms recovered, suspects not yet identified
Police recovered three pistols at the scene. All three had their serial numbers filed off. The dead men have not yet been identified.
Police have registered cases of attempted murder, as well as cases relating to firearms and ammunition without licences.
Because the men died as a result of police action, the matter has been reported to IPID, as the law requires. Gantana said the directorate was notified in line with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate Act of 2011. IPID will investigate the circumstances of the deaths.
What this means for residents and business owners
Extortion of small shops is a worry for many traders, and police have asked the public to help. Anyone who can help identify the three men, or who has information about alleged extortion in the Ngqeleni area, is urged to come forward and contact the police.
Gantana said the police would “continue to act decisively against criminal elements”. The IPID investigation will look at how the confrontation unfolded, and the identities of the dead men are still to be established.
This story is based on reporting by IOL.
