Suspected Mthatha extortionist killed after ‘despicable’ attack on police
The AbaThembu Royal kingdom has disputed that murdered Mthatha West alleged extortionist Dalinzolo Mareke was a traditional leader.
Eastern Cape police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has described the attack on members in Mthatha by alleged extortionist Dalinzolo Sakhumzi Mareke as shocking and despicable.
Mareke, who is the alleged mastermind in acts of extortion in Mthatha West, was fatally wounded in a police shootout in Mthatha on Wednesday afternoon.
ALLEGED MTHATHA WEST EXTORTIONIST SAKHUMZI MAREKE KILLED IN SHOOTOUT
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in Eastern Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, said three armed suspects were fatally shot, and one police officer was injured following a shootout at the National Intervention Unit premises in Mthatha.
Mawisa said members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) were involved in a disruptive operation at Mthatha West. Upon completing the operation, they proceeded to their unit premises at the Embassy Building.
On their way, the members noticed they were being followed by two vehicles, a Nissan Qashqai and a Toyota Fortuner.
“As members arrived at the premises, the two suspicious vehicles stopped behind them, and the three men armed with firearms alighted and immediately opened fire. Police retaliated, fatally wounding the three men.
“One of the deceased persons is Dalinzolo Sakhumzi Mareke (42) and was a person of interest in several incidents of extortion in the Mthatha area,” she explained.
During the shootout, one police officer, a Warrant Officer in his forties, sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to hospital for medical attention.
“DALINZOLO MAREKE WAS NEVER A CHIEF”
The AbaThembu Royal kingdom has confirmed that 42-year-old Mareke was never a traditional leader or a chief in the Mthatha West area.
“We call on other individuals masquerading as chiefs or traditional leaders in the area, enabling their criminal enterprise as extortionists to immediately desist from such criminal behaviour,” the royal kingdom said.
COMMISSIONER WEIGHS IN ON “DESPICABLE ACT”
Mawisa said a case of attempted murder was opened for further investigation, and an inquest docket was also opened and will be transferred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) for further handling. Three firearms with ammunition were also recovered from the scene.
Eastern Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, said this is one of the worst forms of attack on police.
“The incident was shocking and despicable. The members are urged to be alert at all times, heed safety precautionary measures, and be operationally ready,” Mene said.
WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE TO CURB EXTORTION IN THE COUNTRY, ESPECIALLY IN THE EASTERN CAPE?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.