Three suspects, fleeing from business robbery, killed during police shootout in Newlands West
Three suspects killed in police shootout during Newlands West robbery.
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Three suspects were fatally wounded during a shootout with police in Newlands West on Tuesday evening, following a reported business robbery in the area.
According to the South African Police Service statement, officers from Newlands East were responding to a complaint of a business robbery at the Honeyrich area when they were informed that the owner of a tavern had been accosted while locking up. Five men allegedly approached the owner at gunpoint, robbed him of cellphones, alcohol and an undisclosed amount of cash, and fled the scene in a white Toyota Etios.
Police conducted patrols in the area and later spotted a vehicle matching the description of the one used in the robbery. Officers activated their sirens and blue lights in an attempt to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to comply, leading to a chase.
After a short pursuit, the suspect's vehicle came to an abrupt stop. SAPS said the occupants alighted from the vehicle and opened fire on the police. Officers returned fire in defence of their lives, during which three suspects were fatally wounded. Two other suspects managed to flee on foot into nearby bush.
Police recovered a 9mm pistol, cellphones, bottles of alcohol and an undisclosed amount of money at the scene.
Cases of business robbery, attempted murder of police officers and possession of an unlicensed firearm have been opened. Investigations are ongoing, and police are continuing the search for the two suspects who fled the scene.