Eastern Cape SAPS Shoot 3 Dead, Including Mthatha West Chief Dalinzolo Mareke, SA Reacts
- SAPS extortion task force was patrolling Mandela Park in Mthatha on the afternoon of Wednesday, 5 September 2024
- An altercation began as three men questioned why the police were continuously searching them
- This led to a gun battle in which three men were fatally wounded and one policeman injured
- A warrant officer in his 40's was shot in the leg and he was rushed to the hospital for medical attention
MTHATHA WEST, EASTERN CAPE - Three men died in a shootout after police performed a road stop and search in the area. The Mthatha West Chief, who was linked to extortion cases, was identified as one of the people killed.
Source: Twitter
What lead up to the Mthatha shootout?
In a police operation, officers stopped and searched vehicles, one of which allegedly belonged to the area's traditional leader.
The police then withdrew from the search and drove back to their base, where they noticed two vehicles following them. When they stopped, an altercation broke out because the men challenged the police as to why they were continuously being searched.
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
The argument then led to a shootout where one police officer was shot in the leg, with the police then firing back. Three people were shot dead, including one person identified as the Mthatha West Chief Dalinzolo Mareke.
Earlier this week, the police had another shootout with alleged extortionists in Mpumalanga. One person was killed, and three were injured.
What are the accusations against Chief Mareke?
According to OR Tambo police district commissioner, Major-General Phumzile Cetyana:
"Mareke was considered to be the mastermind behind the extortion, but police couldn't pinpoint or pin him down. There were monies claimed to be paid to him because he was the traditional leader, this was the manner in which the extortion came about."
Daluxolo Mareke had denied allegations of extortion against schools in the area. He stated that the community was unaware of such claims.
Online response to Chief Mareke's death
South African praised police for their hard work.
@lamb_kyz_101 likes that other provinces are getting in on the act:
"Finally, the E.Cape is copying the beautiful work being done by Lord Mkhwanazi in KZN, an extortionist has been processed 👌"
@muziwamant27067's firm thoughts that a position doesn't make a man:
"They have taken lessons from Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, it's good that we don't care about his position of being a traditional leader, as long as he is a criminal, extortionist 'akahambe' "
Gayton McKenzie speaks out against extortion crime crisis
Briefly News previously reported that Gayton McKenzie spoke out about the surge in extortion crimes across the country, stating that swift action is required to address the issue. Bold criminals have been targeting schools and businesses nationwide, demanding protection fees.
Many South Africans have commended McKenzie for his commitment to tackling the country's escalating crime problem.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
