By Sonica Naudé-Steyn

Police have opened an investigation after three suspected criminals were fatally wounded following a police shootout in the Tlokoeng (Mount Fletcher) CBD on 22 February 2026.
This according to police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, who said that members of the Tlokoeng SAPS Community Service Centre (CSC) received a complaint of a shooting incident in the area, around 14h30.
“Upon arrival, they found that members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) were already on the scene. Three deceased males and three vehicles, believed to be linked to the suspects, were observed at the scene,” said Gantana.
He said that preliminary reports indicate that the NIU members were on duty in Tlokoeng, following up on intelligence regarding the suspects.
“The police reportedly spotted the suspects in a vehicle. As they approached, the suspects opened fire, leading to a shootout. All three male suspects sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were declared dead on the scene. Firearms believed to have been used in the exchange were seized and will be subjected to forensic analysis,” said Gantana.
He said, as is standard in all incidents involving police action, the case has been handed over to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation.