Western Cape police shot and killed two alleged extortionists in a shoot-out along the N1 highway in Cape Town.
The Tuesday incident also left a third suspect seriously injured.
The provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said police officials received information that the suspects were extorting businesses and followed the vehicle with three occupants.
“Upon realising that police were following them, the suspects fired shots at the police. A shoot-out along the N1 near the Sable Road off-ramp ensued, resulting in two fatalities and one suspect seriously wounded. He was subsequently taken to a medical facility for treatment,” Pojie said.
“Three firearms were seized from the vehicle after the shootout. Preliminary investigations indicate the vehicle the suspects were travelling in was hijacked in Thornton a few days ago.”
Police said an investigation was under way to identify the deceased individuals.
“Serious and Violent Crime Investigations of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit are probing attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms as well as possession of a hijacked vehicle charges,” Pojie said.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) will investigate the inquest.
Last week, eight police officers and a former police official appeared in court on charges of extortion. This after the members attached to the Public Order Policing (POP) were arrested for extorting Chinese business owners in Milnerton.
Jerome Davids, 41; Nomampondomise Mvane, 24; Peter September, 43; Dylon Loodder, 28; Thandolwethu Pendu, 37; Akhona Silo, 29; Phakamani Mtheli, 34; and Unathi Mlilwana, 33, face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances, extortion, use of a vehicle without consent of the owner and defeating the administration of justice.
The Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said the ninth accused, Mthandazo Gqalaqha, a former officer, was added to the matter after his co-accused already appeared in court.
“(The State) added former police officer, Mthandazo Gqalaqha, 42, and withdrew against two others. He is facing the same charges as the other eight accused,” Ntabazalila said.
The matter has been postponed until October 22.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL