EASTERN CAPE – The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirms a police operation earlier today on the R61 road between Cicira and the Mthatha Airport, which resulted in the death of a suspect following an armed confrontation.
On Thursday, 08 January 2026, members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT), acting on actionable intelligence regarding a vehicle suspected of being involved in the possession of unlicensed firearms, were deployed.
At approximately 12:45, a vehicle matching the description was identified and intercepted on the R61 road, between Cicira and Mthatha Airport. As police officers approached the vehicle to conduct a search, one occupant exited and immediately opened fire on them. In response to this direct and immediate threat, the police officers returned fire to neutralize the attack. The suspect was wounded in the exchange.
All relevant role-players, including the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), were summoned to the scene. Emergency Medical Services also attended; however, the suspect was declared deceased at the scene.
Further details will be provided in due course.
