One suspect was shot dead and another injured during a shootout with police in Zwelitsha, Eastern Cape, on Saturday, following a robbery at a local store in Qonce.<\/p>\n
The shooting occurred at about 1pm on Saturday after police received information about the suspects\u2019 whereabouts.<\/p>\n
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said operational teams tracked the suspects to a location in Zwelitsha following the Qonce robbery.<\/p>\n
\u201cUpon arrival, police were met with gunfire when one of the suspects opened fire on them,\u201d Gantana said.<\/p>\n
She said police returned fire in self-defence and in accordance with SAPS use-of-force protocols.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne suspect was fatally wounded at the scene,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Another suspect was injured and taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment under police guard. He remains in custody.<\/p>\n
Three additional suspects were arrested at the scene without further incident.<\/p>\n
She no police officers were injured in the exchange of gunfire.<\/p>\n
Gantana said the Zwelitsha crime scene remained active as forensic and ballistic investigations continued.<\/p>\n
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), has been notified and will conduct a separate investigation into the fatal shooting, as required by law.<\/p>\n
Gantana said five suspects in total were linked to the Qonce robbery: one was killed, one was hospitalised and three remain in police custody.<\/p>\n
She praised the police officers involved for their response.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe SAPS remains resolute in bringing violent criminals to justice,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Gantana said further updates are expected as the investigation continues.<\/p>\n