Mamelodi - Police arrested eight suspects after a shootout that caused innocent bystanders to run for cover in Mamelodi East, Tshwane on Monday evening.
Five suspects were injured in what appeared to be an extensive shootout between police and ten suspects.
Police spokesperson Captain Mike Mbewe said a chase commenced between police and the suspects who were travelling in a Kombi, after police tried to get the driver of a white Toyota Quantum to move his vehicle which was partially blocking the road leading to the entrance of a Usave store.
"About seven suspects who were lingering quickly jumped into the Kombi and sped off," said Mbewe.
Mbewe said as police gave chase, shots were fired at the police through the windows of the Kombi. Police initially did not return fire as there were a number of innocent bystanders in the area who ran for cover once the shooting commenced.
Injured bystanders
According to police, no bystanders were injured during the ordeal.
"The chase continued until they reached buffer zone [an area in Mamelodi East] and that's where police started returning fire," said Mbewe.
It is then alleged the driver of the Kombi lose control and hit the pavement which brought vehicle to a standstill.
Five suspects were wounded during the shootout while three others surrendered. Suspects are estimated between 20 and 40 years old.
Netcare911 spokesperson Nick Dollman said paramedics from different services attended to the injured, some of whom had been shot.
"Their conditions ranged from minor to serious. One person was allegedly bitten by a dog," said Dollman.
"Netcare 911 paramedics attended to and transported two people who had been shot, both of whom were stable. One had moderate injuries and another one was in a more serious condition."
Police seized five handguns, ammunition and cash at the scene. The suspects will be charged with attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Mbewe said more charges could be added and that at this stage it is unsure if the suspects were about to commit a robbery at the Usave store.
News24
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/five-wounded-in-mamelodi-shootout-20170516
Five suspects were injured in what appeared to be an extensive shootout between police and ten suspects.
Police spokesperson Captain Mike Mbewe said a chase commenced between police and the suspects who were travelling in a Kombi, after police tried to get the driver of a white Toyota Quantum to move his vehicle which was partially blocking the road leading to the entrance of a Usave store.
"About seven suspects who were lingering quickly jumped into the Kombi and sped off," said Mbewe.
Mbewe said as police gave chase, shots were fired at the police through the windows of the Kombi. Police initially did not return fire as there were a number of innocent bystanders in the area who ran for cover once the shooting commenced.
Injured bystanders
According to police, no bystanders were injured during the ordeal.
"The chase continued until they reached buffer zone [an area in Mamelodi East] and that's where police started returning fire," said Mbewe.
It is then alleged the driver of the Kombi lose control and hit the pavement which brought vehicle to a standstill.
Five suspects were wounded during the shootout while three others surrendered. Suspects are estimated between 20 and 40 years old.
Netcare911 spokesperson Nick Dollman said paramedics from different services attended to the injured, some of whom had been shot.
"Their conditions ranged from minor to serious. One person was allegedly bitten by a dog," said Dollman.
"Netcare 911 paramedics attended to and transported two people who had been shot, both of whom were stable. One had moderate injuries and another one was in a more serious condition."
Police seized five handguns, ammunition and cash at the scene. The suspects will be charged with attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Mbewe said more charges could be added and that at this stage it is unsure if the suspects were about to commit a robbery at the Usave store.
News24
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/five-wounded-in-mamelodi-shootout-20170516
