SA Police members in the Eastern Cape have fatally wounded an alleged extortion and robbery suspect in Ngqeleni on Friday night. Another suspect, who managed to escape during the shootout with police, is being hunted by the Police.
According to a media statement by the SA Police, on Friday, 11 October, around 23:20, members from Public Order Policing (POP) acted on information about two robbery and extortion suspects who were allegedly causing mayhem in the Canzibe area in Ngqeleni.
The suspects were traced and located outside one of the local taverns. It is further alleged that when the suspects spotted the police, they started shooting at them. Police retaliated by returning fire. A 35-year-old suspect was fatally wounded, while the second one managed to flee. A 9mm Norinco pistol with ammunition was recovered.
No Police members were injured during the shootout. An inquest docket as well as an attempted murder docket were opened for investigation.
This follows close on the heels of another robbery and extortion suspect (31) being shot dead during a shootout between police and suspects last week Thursday in Ngqamakwe.
According to a police statement, during a crime intelligence-driven operation with the assistance of National Intervention Unit members, they operationalized and followed up on information about suspects allegedly involved in robberies and extortion.
“They received information that these suspects were driving a Quantum and planning to collect money from business places in Ngqamakhwe. Police spotted the identified vehicle in Ngqamakhwe CBD and tried to stop it. When the suspects saw police vehicles, they started shooting at them, and a shootout ensued. One suspect was fatally shot, and the others fled the scene with the Quantum and are still at large,” the statement read.
Upon investigation, police recovered a firearm (revolver) which was confiscated by police.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, has sent out a clear warning that, “extortion and criminal activities that target hardworking businesses will not be tolerated. Those involved in such crimes must know that we will take firm action to bring them to justice. I urge the public to cooperate with police by using the Extortion hotline number 082 387 1561 to report incidents of such nature. Our goal is to eradicate this menace as we are committed to the safety and security of every business and resident,” concluded Lt Gen Mene.
