QONCE- One suspect was shot dead and another wounded during a confrontation with police in Zwelitsha on Saturday afternoon, following a robbery in Qonce.
Police have confirmed that, the incident happened at about 13:00 on 22nd August after operational teams, acting on intelligence gathered in the wake of the Qonce robbery, tracked the suspects to a location in Zwelitsha.
According to the Eastern Cape police, officers were met with gunfire when one of the suspects opened fire on them.
Police returned fire, saying they acted in self-defence and in accordance with SAPS use-of-force protocols.
One suspect was fatally wounded at the scene, while another sustained injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital under police guard. He remains in custody.
Three other suspects were arrested at the scene without further incident.
No police officers were injured during the exchange.
The police said the five suspects are all linked to the earlier robbery in Qonce.
The group comprises one deceased suspect, one suspect receiving medical treatment while in custody and three others who were arrested.
The Zwelitsha crime scene remained active on Saturday as forensic and ballistic investigations continued.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has also been notified and will conduct a separate investigation into the fatal shooting, as required by law.
In addition Police praised the members involved for what they described as a swift and professional response.
“The SAPS remains resolute in bringing violent criminals to justice,” the police said.
Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
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