THREE suspects were fatally wounded on Tuesday, 11 October, following a shoot-out with the police in Qumbu, Eastern Cape.
According to Colonel Priscilla Naidu, it is alleged four armed men entered a shop on Main Street in Qumbu on Tuesday at about 9.30am.
They held employees and customers at gunpoint before demanding money.
“The owner of the shop was assaulted with a hammer and money was taken from the tills. Police were alerted to the robbery and immediately responded. As they approached the entrance of the shop, they were met with a hail of bullets coming from the inside,” Naidu said.
She said the Tactical Response Team arrived as backup and the shoot-out between police and the suspects continued.
“Three suspects, aged between 32 and 40, were fatally wounded in the shoot-out while the fourth suspect aged 48 surrendered to the police. A police officer sustained a graze wound on his left leg,” Naidu said.
She said two bakkies suspected to be those of the suspects and three firearms were confiscated.
Naidu said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate has since been informed about the incident.
“Police are investigating cases of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, inquest and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm,” she said.
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The arrested suspect is expected to appear in court soon.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene said the cops will not have any mercy on criminals.
“Criminals are warned that their actions have serious consequences when they find themselves on the wrong side of the law. We will not hesitate to defend ourselves and the lives of our citizens while acting within the confines of the law,” Mene said.
