QUMBU – The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene commended the swift actions of SAPS Qumbu members and the Tactical Response Team (TRT) in ensuring that criminals do not have the upper hand after a shootout ensued between police and armed robbers today, 11 October 2022.

It is alleged that at about 09:30 this morning, about four armed men entered a shop in the Main Street in Qumbu and held the employees and customers at gunpoint before demanding money. The owner of the shop was assaulted with a hammer after which more money was taken from the tills.

SAPS Qumbu members were alerted to the robbery and immediately responded. As they approached the entrance of the shop, they were met with a hail of bullets coming from the inside. TRT members arrived as backup and the retaliation between police and the suspects continued.

In the ensuing shootout, three suspects, aged between 32 and 40 years, were fatally wounded while the fourth suspect aged 48 years old surrendered to police. One police officer sustained a graze wound on his left leg.  

Two bakkies suspected to be that of the suspects and three firearms were confiscated by police. IPID were informed of the incident.

Police are investigating cases of attempted murder; illegal possession of firearms and ammunition; inquest and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The arrested suspect is expected to appear in court soon.

Lt Gen Mene has iterated that, “We will not share our space nor will we have any mercy on criminals as we stamp the authority of the State. Criminals are warned that their actions have serious consequences when they find themselves on the wrong side of the law. The arrest of one hardened criminal, or even the recovery of one illegal firearm, could spare the life of a police officer as well as a law abiding citizen. We will not hesitate to defend ourselves and the lives of our citizens while acting within the confines of the law.”

Source: South African Police Service