Seven suspects allegedly involved in extortion and kidnapping crimes were killed as they exchanged fire with police in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces on Wednesday.
The Western Cape Operational Command Centre’s Combat Team responded to intelligence on Wednesday afternoon about seven people in a minibus taxi who were extorting money from shop owners in Dunoon.
Police spokesperson André Traut said the suspects were spotted fleeing the area at about 2pm.
While being chased in Bosmansdam Road, Bothasig, the suspects opened fire at two police vehicles with an assault rifle.
“Police retaliated and managed to bring the vehicle to a halt on the corner of Bosmansdam and Wyland roads.
“During the incident three other suspects were fatally wounded.
“The injured suspects are being treated in hospital under police guard.
“Detectives are pursuing leads to prepare the charges against the suspects for their imminent court appearances.
“The identities of the suspects are yet to be determined,” Traut said. No SAPS members or members of the public were injured during the incident, he said. An assault rifle, a 9mm pistol, an undisclosed amount of cash, as well as the minibus taxi were confiscated.
Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais commended the action taken by police against suspected extortionists. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Cape, four suspects of an alleged kidnapping syndicate were killed in a shoot-out with police early on Wednesday morning in Marikana Location outside Qoboqobo, Keiskammahoek.
According to police spokesperson Siphokazi Mawisa, the Tactical Response Team members in Mdantsane and East London followed up on information about suspects allegedly in possession of unlicensed firearms.
“On arrival at the scene, they struggled to enter the identified house due to a long boundary wall, but they eventually managed to scale it. As members were tactically entering the premises, the suspects tried to flee using back exits, but they were cornered, and they started shooting at the police.
“Members retaliated, and during the process four suspects were fatally wounded, and one suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to the nearest hospital.
“The deceased suspects, aged between 29 and 40, are known, but their identities have been withheld.
The fifth suspect, aged 38, is currently under police guard,” said Mawisa.
At the scene police recovered three unlicensed firearms with ammunition, two bakkies, and a Toyota Hilux and Corsa vehicles which are believed to be stolen.
Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane commended the swift and decisive action taken by the police.
Cape Times