LIMPOPO – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has commended police for their continuous efforts in working towards eradicating crime in the province. This, after one suspect was arrested and another fatally wounded during a shootout between criminals and police.
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Police spokesperson Col Moatshe Ngoepe says on 2019-01-10 at about 10:00, the Dennilton Police task team received information from the community on Thursday, 10 January, about a suspicious motor vehicle at the local mall.
“Police found a BMW with three occupants inside and approached them. The suspects began shooting at police who retaliated. During the shootout, one of the suspects managed to jump into one of the police vehicles that was part of this operation and sped off. The other suspects fled on foot,” Ngoepe explained.
An intense search operation for the suspects and the police vehicle was activated and one of the suspects was arrested within a short space of time. Ngoepe says the tracing of the remaining suspects continued until one was found. He allegedly started shooting at police, who retaliated and during the process, the suspect was killed.
“One firearm, a BMW sedan and the police vehicle were recovered at different locations. The search operation for the remaining suspect is still underway and the origin of the firearm and the BMW will still be determined by ongoing police investigations. The deceased has not been identified yet,” he said.
No member of the South African Police Service was injured and charges of attempted murder, possession of illegal firearm and ammunition, carjacking and an inquest docket were opened for further police investigations.
The arrested suspect (32) will appear before the Dennilton Magistrates Court, soon.
The Provincial Commissioner has expressed his appreciation to communities who are consistently supporting the police in providing quality and reliable information about criminal activities in and around their areas. “The support we continue to receive from our communities contributes immensely towards the fight against crime,” he concluded.
