COPS AND ‘ROBBERS’

ONE man died and four others were arrested following a dramatic shootout between police and a group of armed suspects near Westgate Mall, Mitchells Plain, on Wednesday.

The firefight on Morgenster Drive in the early hours of the morning while mense were on their way to work, saw members of the National Intervention Unit officers collide with the suspects they had been tracking in their Toyota Hilux from Nyanga.  

In the chaos, private vehicles were damaged when the suspects’ vehicle collided with the vehicles, including a blue BMW.

The suspects, who were armed with two pistols and an AK-47, were outgunned by the officers. 

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said that members of the National Intervention Unit followed up on information about armed suspects who were traveling in a Toyota Hilux light delivery vehicle.

Twigg reported: “The vehicle was followed from Nyanga and when the suspects spotted the police vehicle on Jakes Gerwel Drive, Mitchells Plain, they opened fire at the police vehicle. 

“Police members returned fire, fatally wounding one adult male and arresting four others. An AK47 rifle and two 9mm pistols with ammunition were recovered on the scene.”

Four armed suspects aged between 27 and 45 were arrested facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, attempted murder, and attack on police.

The suspects are expected to appear at the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court for their first appearance on Thursday.

The circumstances surrounding the death of the one suspect are under investigation by the Independent Police Investigation Directorate (Ipid).

Lentegeur Community Policing Forum (CPF) Chairperson Micheal Jacobs said that they commend cops for acting swiftly in affecting the arrest of the suspects and taking much needed guns off the street.

He added: “The National Intervention Unit spotted armed suspects near Samora Machel, which led to a chase and shootout near Westgate Mall on Morgenster Drive. Three suspects were arrested, one killed, and three firearms recovered. We commend the police for acting swiftly and removing guns from the streets.”

Meanwhile, Ridwaan Nero, coordinator of Westgate Neighbourhood Watch, told the Plainsman: “It’s important to work with the police to reduce crime. This morning’s incident seemed planned. Residents thought it was a robbery, but we waited for official information before reporting it.”

Zoraya Du Plessis, vice-chair of Sector 5 sub-Forum for areas of Rondevlei, Colorado Park, and Wildhood), said she was shaken by the incident.

“I usually walk on that road at this time. I heard what sounded like firecrackers close by. My son also noticed it."