The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General
Nomthetheleli Mene has commended the swift action of police in Qumbu and the
Tactical Response Team (TRT) in ensuring that criminals did not have the upper
hand after a shootout ensued between police and armed robbers on Tuesday,
October 11.
It is alleged that at about 09:30 yesterday morning,
about four armed men entered a shop in the Main Street in Qumbu and held the
employees and customers at gunpoint before demanding money.
The owner of the shop was assaulted with a hammer
after which more money was taken from the tills.
“SAPS Qumbu members 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. TRT members arrived as
backup and the retaliation between police and the suspects continued.”
“In the ensuing shoot out, three suspects aged between
32 and 40 were fatally wounded, while the fourth suspect aged 48 surrendered to police. One police officer sustained a graze wound on his
left leg,” said police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu.
Two bakkies suspected to be that of the suspects and
three firearms were confiscated by police. IPID were informed of the incident.
Naidu added that police are investigating cases of
attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, inquest and
assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The arrested suspect is expected to appear in court
soon.
“We will not share our space, nor will we have any
mercy on criminals as we stamp the authority of the State. Criminals are warned
that their actions have serious consequences when they find themselves on the
wrong side of the law.”
“The arrest of one hardened criminal, or even the
recovery of one illegal firearm, could spare the life of a police officer as well
as a law-abiding citizen. We will not hesitate to defend ourselves and the
lives of our citizens while acting within the confines of the law,” Mene said.
