Suspect shoots himself after shooting at police

A man shot and killed himself after shooting and injuring an officer near Mondlo in the early hours of Saturday.

Police said the Mondlo police had reacted to a tip off after three men, wanted for murder, attempted murder, assault with an intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property in the Mondlo area, were spotted.

A joint operation by Vryheid Cluster Task Team, Crime Intelligence Unit and Mondlo Police Station members was conducted. A suspicious looking  motor vehicle with three occupants was spotted at Mkhumbane area in Mondlo. The  vehicle was stopped and searched. During the search, two unlicensed firearms were found. Members managed to arrest two suspects aged 21 and 27.

The third suspect escaped and fled the scene on foot. Police gave chase and during the chase, the suspect shot at the police wounding one police official. The member was taken to hospital for medical attention and other members pursued the suspect.  It is further alleged that that one civilian was shot and slightly wounded by the suspect.

The 22-year-old suspect allegedly hid in a toilet and shot himself. He was apprehended and taken to hospital where he later died. An unlicensed firearm was found in his possession. The arrested suspects will be charged for murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The recovered firearms will be sent to ballistic test to determine if they were used in the commission of any other crime in the country.  They will appear in the Nquthu Magistrates’ Court soon.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni applauded the members for the arrest of the suspects and seizure of unlicensed firearms. “Police will thoroughly investigate the case against the suspects and make sure that they are convicted and sentenced. We also wish to extend a speedy recovery to the brave police officer who was injured during the operation,” she said.

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