Eastern Cape Crime
Cops foil robbery, suspects open fire on them
Four suspected robbers shot dead
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.
On Sunday things were fine, days later it was gone
Thieves pinch church bell
CRIME SCENE: Bethelsdorp, Eastern Cape: Unholy thieves have made off with a solid copper church bell.
Now the Bethelsdorp police are appealing to the community for information following the theft.
According to the police the church was locked and everything was just fine at 12:00 on Sunday, 27 September 2026.
But things took a turn for the worst at about 15:00 on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, when the keyholder arrived and discovered that the bell had been stolen. A theft case has been opened, and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information or who is approached to buy or sell the bell, is asked to contact Sgt Kechia Erasmus on 072 388 7202, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit information via the MySAPS-App anonymously.
Police 'will not rest until perpetrators are found'
Two police officers brutally killed
CRIME SCENE: Libode, Eastern Cape: The South African Police Service have launched a manhunt after two police officers were brutally killed in the early hours of Friday, 18 September 2026.
The deceased members, aged 51 and 30, are from the Mthatha National Intervention Unit and Mthatha Public Order Policing Unit.
It is alleged that armed suspects were attacking a spaza shop and demanding money from the shop operator at Ziphunzana Location, Libode, near Mthatha.
According to SAPS the two members responded to a call for assistance and were later found with gunshot wounds.
“Both their service pistols were missing. A cordless grinder used to cut the shop’s burglar door was found at the scene.
“A multi-disciplinary team was deployed to the scene and a 72-hour plan has been activated to trace and arrest the suspects, said SAPS.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, said the brutal murder of police is an attack on the State.
“We will not rest until those responsible are arrested and prosecuted. We send our deepest condolences to their families and colleagues, and we will support them through this difficult time,” said Ncata.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information may also be submitted via the MySAPS-App. All information will be treated confidentially.
Tik, Mandrax found in 18-year-old's possession
J-Bay teen arrested for drugs
NATIONAL: An 18-year-old suspected drug dealer has been arrested in the world-renowned surfing town of Jeffrey’s Bay in the Eastern Cape.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) the Humansdorp Crime Intelligence Unit acted on information on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, about suspected drug dealing activities within the Jeffrey’s Bay area.
“The information was immediately operationalised together with SAPS Jeffrey’s Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and a search warrant was secured and executed at the identified premises in Calata Street, Ocean View.
“Police found and confiscated suspected narcotics including crystal methamphetamine (Tik) and Mandrax with an estimated street value of more than R5 000.
The 18-year-old was arrested on the spot for dealing in drugs.
The Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, commended the men and women in blue for their swift, intelligence-driven response in ensuring the success.
“Information from the community is key to our success and these illegal dens or any criminal activities should be reported to the police,” said Kupiso.