Three suspected extortionists killed, 4 arrested after shootout with Police in Bothasig

The swift response of members of the Provincial Operational Command Centre’s Combat Team resulted in the arrest of four suspected #extortionists who sustained gunshot wounds during an exchange of gunfire this afternoon at about 14:00 in Bothasig. During the incident three other suspects were fatally wounded.
 
The Combat Team reacted on information that seven occupants of a minibus taxi were extorting money from shop owners in Du Noon and upon reacting on the intelligence, the suspects were spotted fleeing the area. During a pursuit in Bosmansdam Road, the suspects opened fire at two police vehicles with an assault rifle. Police retaliated and managed to bring the vehicle to a halt on the corners of Bosmansdam and Wylands Roads. The assault rifle, a 9mm pistol, an undisclosed amount of cash, as well as the minibus taxi were confiscated.
 
While the injured suspects are being treated in hospital under police guard, detectives are pursuing leads to prepare the charges against the suspects for their imminent court appearances. The identities of the suspects are yet to be determined.
 
The three fatalities and the injuries sustained by the four suspects are being investigated by IPID and a death inquest case docket has been registered for this purpose. Fortunately no SAPS members or members of the public were injured during the incident.  
 
Extortion remains a top priority for the Western Cape Police and we encourage victims to come forward by using our toll free #extortion hotline, 0800 314 444.