Four men were fatally shot during a confrontation with police in Kwadwesi on Tuesday evening after members of the SAPS Motherwell Tactical Response Team allegedly disrupted what police believe was a planned robbery.
According to the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner’s office, the incident happened at about 20:00 on 6 October in the Kwadwesi or KwaZakhele policing precinct.
Police said members of the Motherwell TRT were conducting patrols in Mtshekisani Street when they noticed a vehicle they considered suspicious.
As officers approached the vehicle, its occupants allegedly opened fire. Police then returned fire, resulting in four men being shot.
All four men were declared dead at the scene. No police officers were injured during the shooting.
Firearms recovered
Following the shooting, police searched the scene and recovered two unlicensed 9mm Norinco firearms.
According to police, both firearms had their serial numbers filed off. A toy gun was also recovered.
The vehicle allegedly used by the men was seized and will form part of the ongoing investigation.
Police have not yet released the identities of the four men or provided further details about what led them to believe that a robbery was being planned.
IPID to investigate police shooting
Kwadwesi SAPS is investigating cases of inquest and attempted murder, including allegations relating to an attack on police officers.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has also been notified and will investigate the four inquest cases involving the deaths.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the deaths of the four men.
Police have urged anyone with relevant information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
