Siphelele Nketo

INVESTIGATIONS have been launched regarding the murder of three suspects fatally wounded during a shootout with police in Tlokoeng, formerly known as Mount Fletcher, on Sunday February 22.

At 2.30pm on that day, Tlokoeng police were called to a crime scene after being informed about a gunfire exchange between suspected criminals and National Intervention Unit (NIU) members. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, NIU members were on duty in Tlokoeng, following up on intelligence regarding the suspects.

“The NIU spotted the suspects in a vehicle. As they approached, the suspects opened fire, leading to a shootout. All three male suspects sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were declared dead on the scene,” she explained. Firearms believed to have been used in the exchange were seized and will be subjected to forensic analysis. Three vehicles, believed to be linked to the suspects, were observed at the scene.

Gantana confirmed that the case was handed over to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation.