A 28-year-old suspect who was regarded as one of the most notorious and dangerous hitmen in the province was killed in a shoot-out with police in Lwandle on Sunday night (16 July).
Masindumise Hlotywa (alias Tono) was wanted and positively linked to at least 10 cases perpetrated in Lwandle between February last year and March this year, and which claimed the lives of 12 victims.
According to a Lwandle police report, the incident occurred around 22:00 on Sunday on the corner of Skhwentsha and Majola Street, Asanda Village.
“The shooting occurred during an integrated takedown operation comprising members of the provincial detectives’ serious and violent crimes investigations, supported by various members attached to specialised units,” a statement issued by provincial police on Tuesday morning reads. “The officers followed up on information about the suspect’s whereabouts and traced him to premises in Lwandle.
“The officers accosted him, but on spotting them the suspect discharged his firearm in the direction of police officers in an effort to evade arrest. The officers retaliated and returned fire, at which point the suspect was fatally wounded and succumbed on the scene. The officers found and confiscated a firearm and ammunition, which were found in possession of the deceased.”
In addition, the team arrested two accomplices, aged 32 and 36, in the company of the deceased. They are also linked to some of the cases in which the deceased is believed to be the kingpin hitman. The cases they are linked to include a triple murder, a double murder, four murders, two attempted murders of which one was perpetrated against a police officer, a business robbery at a guest house and the possession of stolen goods belonging to one of their murdered victims.
The two suspects will appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court once charged. They will remain in custody and it is understood that any applications for bail will be opposed. The possibility that more charges could be added against the accused and the deceased suspect is also not excluded.
