Gang, cops in gunfire exchange

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Johannesbrug - A suspect turned a gun on himself after being involved in a shootout with the police on Tuesday.

Two policemen were wounded in the showdown. The dead man was part of a group of nine men who were travelling in a minibus taxi which was spotted by patrolling police officers in Kempton Park around 11am.

Lieutenant-Colonel Katlego Mogale said one of the factors that led the patrolling officers to have suspicions about the minibus taxi was the fact that its occupants were all men.

It is alleged that when the officers attempted to stop and search the vehicle, it sped off.

“A high-speed chase ensued in Edleen, and the minibus taxi disappeared as the members radioed for assistance,” said Mogale.

“After putting out an alert with the taxi’s details on the police radio, it was spotted in Sebenza, and the pursuit continued.

“Seeing the police hot on their heels, the gang opened fire, said Mogale. “A warrant officer was injured in the leg and a constable was injured in the hand during the shootout,” she said.

The suspects abandoned their vehicle and fled the scene on foot, with the police in pursuit. “The suspects were cornered a block from the vehicle and three suspects were arrested. One was shot and injured,” said Mogale.

A fourth suspect shot a police officer in the hand, then turned his gun on himself.

Five suspects were still at large.

Mogale said procedure was followed by the officers as they radioed for back-up.

The three apprehended suspects are due to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court to face charges of attempted murder.

ntombi.ndhlovu@inl.co.za

The Star