An Eastern Cape man on the police most wanted list for various crimes was killed in a shoot-out with cops on Thursday.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said members attached to National Intervention Unit of the South African Police Services (SAPS) were on crime prevention duties in the Walmer area, in Gqeberha when the shooting occurred.
“During their tour of duty at Walmer Links, they spotted a white VW Polo that was driven by the suspect who was (allegedly) involved in various crimes within the Nelson Mandela Bay District and they tried to stop and search him.
“He reversed his vehicle and was blocked in by the police and he got out of the vehicle with a firearm, pointing to the members.
“The members responded and fatally shot the suspect.”
Mawisa said upon searching, they recovered an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
He said an inquest docket and pointing of firearm was opened for investigation.
“The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has taken the case for further investigation.”
In a similar incident, in KwaZulu-Natal two suspected hitmen, who who were allegedly on their way to carry out a murder, were killed in a shoot-out with police.
The incident took place in Mahlabathini in the Zululand District on Wednesday evening.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police received information about two suspects who were travelling in a red VW Polo and were allegedly on their way to assassinate a taxi owner in Mahlabathini.
The suspects when seeing the police opened fire and police retaliated.
IOL News