Four suspects were fatally shot and one was injured during a shootout between the suspects and police members in Qoboqobo (Keiskammahoek) in the Eastern Cape. The incident occurred at the Shoxa Administrative area, Marikana Location outside Qoboqobo in the early hours today.
Members attached to the Tactical Response Team (TRT) in Mdantsane and East London, followed up information about suspects allegedly in possession of unlicensed firearms, and they proceeded to the Marikana area in Qoboqobo (Keiskamahoek).
On arrival at the scene, they struggled to enter the identified house due to a long boundary wall, but they eventually managed to scale it. As members were tactically entering the premises, the suspects tried to flee using back exits, but they were cornered, and they started shooting at the police.
Members retaliated, and during the process, four suspects were fatally wounded, and one suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to the nearest hospital.
The deceased suspects, aged between 29 and 40, are known however, their identities are withheld. The fifth suspect, aged 38, is currently under police guard. Police members escaped unscathed.
Police recovered three unlicensed firearms with ammunition, two bakkies, a Toyota Hilux and Corsa, which are believed to be stolen.
The case has been transferred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation.