Pretoria - A 32-year-old suspect was fatally wounded in the early hours of Friday during a shootout with several law enforcement agencies at a complex in Brits, North West.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said a multidisciplinary operation was executed, following up on information on the suspect allegedly involved in the brutal murder of Sergeant Leka Maja in Mamelodi a week ago.
The operation included different units of the South African Police Service, Hawks' tactical operations management section (TOMS), Gauteng Traffic Police, and several private security companies.
“Upon arrival at the identified address, the team was met with gunfire and a shootout ensued wherein the suspect was fatally wounded.
“A search of the premises was conducted and an unlicensed firearm and ammunition were recovered,” said Mogale.
Earlier this month, a member of the Hawks’ tactical operations management section (TOMS) and three suspects were killed in a shootout which took place in Mamelodi during a sting operation.
Officers had received a tip-off about suspects who were armed with high-calibre rifles at a house.
At the time, Hawks national spokesperson, Brigadier Nomthandazo Mbambo said a shootout erupted when the officers stormed the premises.
“As they approached the address, the suspects took shots at the members and a shoot-out ensued. Three suspects were fatally shot and one TOMS member was fatally wounded,’’ Mbambo said.
She said several firearms were seized during the operation.
Hawks head, Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya, expressed “heartfelt” sadness following the loss of one of their members.
“The proliferation of illegal firearms in our communities is resulting not only the murders of innocent lives but also robs us of the lives of police officers who have sworn to defend this country and it inhabitants,’’ he said earlier this month.
IOL