Another suspect fell in a gunfight with police on Saturday — making it the fourth incident of its kind involving police specialised units since Thursday. The Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the National Intervention Unit (NIU) had a busy time since Thursday and were involved in three gunfights — two in OR Tambo and the third in the Chris Hani district within three days, with four suspects fatally wounded. The recent shootout happened in Qumbu, while two others happened near Mthatha and in Ngcobo.
Police spokesperson Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa confirmed on Sunday that a 33-year-old man was fatally shot during a shootout with police at Etwa Village outside Qumbu on Saturday. “Tactical Response Team (TRT) members conducted a follow-up operation to arrest a wanted suspect who was sought for a series of crimes including attempted murders, murders and stock theft. The suspect had failed to appear in court in a case of possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Police approached the house and he came out and allegedly started shooting at them. “They swiftly struck back and the suspect was shot and died at the scene,” Mawisa said. “They recovered an unlicensed 9mm pistol with an erased serial number and a magazine with ammunition.” Mawisa said cases of possession of anunlicensed firearmand ammunition, attempted murder and attack on police had been opened for investigation and an inquest docket was also opened. The Independent Police Investigative Unit will handle the investigation.
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