Khayelitsha’s ‘most feared’ resident, Yanga “Bara” Nyalara, who has been evading the law for several years as witnesses are too scared to testify against him, has reportedly been killed in a shoot-out with police in the Eastern Cape.

Nyalara has been in and out of the court system, with charges never sticking as the state struggles to link him to crimes.

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According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Siphokazi Mawisa, officers attached to the National Intervention Unit had received information about two vehicles filled with firearms driving on the N2 from Cofimvaba, which is Nyalara’s hometown.

“Police spotted the vehicles next to Cofimvaba and attempted to stop them. The suspects sped off. A chase ensued, and backup was called to assist in the chase, and while they were between Ndabakazi and Butterworth (Gcuwa), the alleged suspects shot at the police, who then retaliated. On investigation, six people were fatally wounded, and firearms were recovered in their vehicles.”

Police did not identify the deceased.

The Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha has commended the
police for their swift response.

“I want to remind criminals once again that the police will not fold their arms when they are attacked by criminals. As a government, we want to assure criminals that no amount of intimidation will stop our efforts to eradicate crime in this province .”

None of the officers involved sustained injuries during the incident.