A well-known Eastern Cape music promoter, events organiser and philanthropist was one of the two alleged extortionists killed in a gun battle with police in Dutywa.
Sibuyile “Dokotela” Nana, 40, the leader of the Dokotela Team and Gqom Exploxion outdoor entertainment and music events management, and another man died in the shoot-out with police at Doti village in Dutywa on Thursday.
Nana was from Colosa village in Dutywa.
Social media flooded with messages of condolences with more than 300 comments about Hlathi, as he was affectionately called by his clan name.
Police provincial spokesperson Brig Nobuntu Gantana confirmed the incident, saying an inquest docket and an attempted murder case had been opened.
“At about 1.30pm on Thursday, police attended to a complaint about a shooting at Doti locality in Dutywa,” Gantana said.
“On arrival at the scene, there were three vehicles: a grey VW Polo, a Toyota Fortuner and a VW Transporter, on the gravel road.
“There were several police officers in uniform already on the scene.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that those members in uniform were from the SAPS national intervention unit (NIU) and travelling in two vehicles, a Toyota Fortuner and a VW Transporter following a suspicious VW Polo vehicle.”
She said both suspects were 40-year-old men
“It is said that while the NIU members were following the suspicious vehicle on the gravel road in Doti locality, the occupants from the suspicious vehicle opened fire at the police while their vehicle was in transit.
“The NIU members retaliated and a crossfire ensued.
“The two occupants in the VW Polo were fatally wounded. The police officers escaped unscathed,
“The NIU members were following up on information about extortion, taxi violence, robbery and murder cases.”
At least one unlicensed firearm and ammunition were recovered from the scene.
“The two deceased were identified and are both from Dutywa.
“One had a case of possession of an unlicensed firearm and attempted murder.
“He was a wanted suspect as he never attended court and had a warrant of arrest.
“The victim in the attempted murder case was a drug dealer and was later shot dead.
“The two deceased were also alleged extortionists,” Gantana said.
The case has been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) for further investigation.
Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping confirmed a case of death due to police action, “whereby two alleged extortionists were killed during an alleged shoot-out with police,” had been registered.
“It is alleged that the Mthatha NIU members travelling along the N2 tried to stop a Polo Vivo with two occupants believed to be extortionists from the Mthatha direction towards Dutywa.
“However, the said vehicle ignored the police warning and drove off. The officers pursued the car.
“At the Doti location along the N2, the Polo Vivo reached a dead end and its occupants allegedly [shot at] the SAPS members, which led to a crossfire.
“A pistol was allegedly recovered from one of the deceased with live rounds stuck in the chamber.
“Four NIU members were involved. Ipid’s investigation is still in its preliminary stages.”
Social media platforms were flooded with messages of condolence after the Dokotela Team posted on his page about his death.
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Sibuyile Dokotela Nana, Umphathi we Dokotela Team,” read the post on his Facebook page.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues and everyone affected by this tragic loss.”
It was posted at 1.41pm on April 25 and drew 904 reactions, 290 comments and 170 shares.
One wrote: “He had grand visions for the 12th Gqom explosion in June 2025, and I had no idea the tribute you planned for Mampintsha would become his own legacy.
“I’ll never forget the day he shared your ideas with me, especially the excitement about booking DJ Tira.
“His passion and talent were undeniable.
“I’m heartbroken, and his passing feels like a tremendous loss.
“Dutywa and Butterworth entertainment will be different without you. Rest well, dear brother and friend.”
Another wrote: “We lost a soldier in entertainment.”
Another wrote :" What a selfless man. Heavens couldn’t wait for you.”
One asked what happened and others said they must not ask.
Nana’s family could not be reached.
According to social media, a memorial service for him will be held on Wednesday.
Daily Dispatch
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