Suspected criminals, it seems, have become more brazen in South Africa wanting to engage in gun battles with police.
A shoot-out between police and two suspected criminals in Inanda late last night (12 August) points to this.
Police were following up on leads that two suspects, linked to the murder of a police officer, attempted murder, a chain of house robberies and armed robberies, when they (police) came under fire.
Suspects resist police calls to surrender
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, SAPS police spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal said: “When police arrived at the house [in Maplazini area] they introduced themselves as police officers and instructed the suspects to open the door.
“The suspects responded with gunshots towards police officers from inside the house and police were left with choice but to return fire in self-defence.”
In the ensuing gunfight police managed to take control of the situation leading to the fatal shooting of the two suspects.
According to Netshiunda the suspects aged 20 and 21 years old sustained fatal wounds.
Police officers were not injured during the gun battle.
They recovered what might possibly be a stolen firearm from the suspects. The serial number on the gun was filed off.
Another brazen gun battle occurred between police and four suspected criminals during a foiled house robbery in Pinetown yesterday (12 August).
Police responded to a house robbery in Paradise Valley, Pinetown only to be shot at by the robbers.
This is how it played out according to Netshiunda.
When police approached the house on Oxford Road, they noticed a suspicious looking VW Polo moving away from the scene. Attempts by police to stop the vehicle were ignored by the driver.
“The driver of the vehicle ignored police instruction’s and sped off. A high speed chase ensued and on Underwood Road, the suspects opened fire towards police officers. Police returned fire and a shoot-out ensued,” said Netshiunda.
The suspects were wounded during the shoot-out and three were admitted to hospital under police guard.
The fourth suspect evaded police and is on the run.
The three injured suspects are expected to appear in court when they are “fit to do so”.
In a SAPS Facebook post four days ago, Acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia reacted to the dangers police face while undertaking their duty. This, following the deaths of police officers who were ambushed while transporting awaiting trial prisoner, Jabulani Moyo.
“Their [police] sacrifice in the line of duty is a stark reminder of the daily dangers faced by our police officers as they work to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of all South Africans. We owe them — and every officer who puts on the blue uniform — a debt of gratitude that words alone cannot fully express,” said Cachalia.
What are your thoughts on brazen criminals firing on police?
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