SIPHELELE NKETO

A SUSPECT (33) was fatally shot during a gun exchange with the police in Etwa, Qumbu, on January 10.

Police attached to the Tactical Response Team (TRT) conducted a follow-up operation to arrest a wanted suspect who was sought for crimes involving attempted murders, murders and stock theft.

A warrant of arrest was issued for the suspect after he abandoned his court appearance on the case of possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said that the suspect opened fire at police who then struck back. The suspect was shot dead on the scene.

Mawisa said police recovered an unlicensed 9mm pistol with an erased serial number and a magazine with ammunition.

“Cases have been opened for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, attempted murder and attack on police, while an inquest docket was also opened for investigation,” Mawisa said the Independent Police Investigative Unit (IPID) was notified and will handle the investigation.