CRIME SCENE: Robertson, Western Cape: A day long stand-off between police in and a gunman ended in tragedy when the suspect died and a police member were injured during the shooting.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) the incident happened on a farm in De Hoop, Robertson. It started on Sunday evening, 16 August 2026, with a complaint to local police of a man who shot at a neighbour’s car.

“This escalated into a gun battle that continued into Monday evening, 17 August 2026 leaving a trail of damaged police vehicles and an injured policeman,” said SAPS.

Robertson police who responded to the first complaint on Sunday evening came under fire from the gunman and called for back-up.

“The tactical response team (TRT) were later ployed to diffuse the standoff, but their was also shot at by the gunman, resulting in one police official suffering injury to his shoulder. He was hospitalised and is receiving medical attention.

“The operational response was escalated with the special task force also deployed on Monday afternoon. A heavy gun battle ensued as the gunman shot at task force members damaging a police armoured vehicle (Nyala).  

“Two women who were in a neighbouring house were subsequently rescued. The task force  later gained entry to the house where the 40-year-old-gunman was shooting from. He was shot in the shootout and died on the scene,” said SAPS.

An inquest docket has been opened for investigation. The IPID officials were also summoned to the scene. Police still continue to maintain a strong presence on the farm and further investigations continue.

An assault rifle, a shot gun, two pistols, magazines, different types of ammunition, flags and notebooks with inscriptions were seized.

The Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended the “swift and courageous intervention by the members during a prolonged armed standoff in Robertson, which resulted in the death of a 40-year-old gunman”.