CRIME SCENE: Kwadwesi, Eastern Cape: Four suspected robbers have died following a shootout with members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

According to SAPS, the swift action by the Motherwell TRT Unit disrupted a suspected robbery plan and led to four fatalities in a subsequent exchange of gunfire with police. 

“The incident occurred on Tuesday evening at about 20:00, 6 October 2026 in the Kwadwesi/Kwazakele policing precincts. Police members who were patrolling in Mtshekisani Street noticed a suspicious vehicle. 

“As they approached, the occupants allegedly opened fire and police fired back. During the shoot out, four men were shot and declared deceased on the scene. No police members were injured,” said SAPS.

Police recovered two unlicensed 9mm Norinco firearms, both without serial numbers, and a toy gun. The Kwadwesi police are investigating the case. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will investigate the four counts of Inquest.