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Police have confirmed that at least 18 suspects have been killed in a shootout with officers in Limpopo on Friday afternoon.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Saps top brass are on their way to the scene in the province.
“The National Commissioner of the Saps, General Fannie Masemola, the National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Lebeya and the Deputy National Commissioner of Policing are on their way to a crime scene in Makhado, Limpopo, where 18 suspects were shot and killed during a shootout with police,” Mathe said.
It is understood the suspects were shot and killed in the shootout with police officers before a planned a cash-in-transit heist.
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Masemola said the suspects were from various provinces and were planning to rob a CIT vehicle, but police had intelligence about the planned heist.
“Our intention was to arrest them before they go out to commit the crime.
He added that the criminals were operating from a house where they planned and then executed robberies.
“Police members approached the house to arrest them, and in the process, they shot at the police. The shooting continued for around 90 minutes. In the engagement, 18 of them were shot dead, and one police officer was seriously injured. He has been taken for medical treatment.”
Lebeya said this is a culmination of an investigation that began as early as January this year.
“Limpopo and Mpumalanga joined forces in addressing the syndicate identified based on several follow-ups made by the team.
“So, we believe we have the suspects we have been following. Further investigations will continue to ascertain other crimes the group may have perpetrated. A speedy recovery to the DPCI Officer,” said Lebeya.
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