Three suspected extortionists were killed and four others injured during a shootout with police in Bothasig yesterday, Wednesday September 25.
An SAPS combat team received a tip-off about a group of men travelling in a minibus taxi who were believed to be extorting money from Dunoon shop owners in Dunoon, but when police arrived in Dunoon, the suspects fled the area and police went after them, said provincial police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut.
Along Bosmansdam Road, Bothasig, the suspects opened fire on the police who shot back until the taxi stopped on the corner of Bosmansdam and Wylands roads, said Colonel Traut,
“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,” he said.
He said a 9mm pistol, an assault rifle, an undisclosed amount of cash and the taxi were confiscated, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate was also investigating the shooting.
No police officers were harmed, Colonel Traut said.
