A petrol bomb attack on the home of an Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) officer in Eerste River ended in a shootout with police, leaving one suspect dead and three others arrested.
The attack happened at about 12.20am on Monday, October 19, when four suspects allegedly targeted the officer’s home while he was on patrol.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) spokesperson Phaladi Shuping told Daily Voice that four suspects allegedly threw a petrol bomb at the officer’s house.
“The wife apparently contacted the member who was on patrol and rushed to the house with his colleagues. When they arrived at the scene, the suspects allegedly got into a car and started shooting at the police,” Shuping said.
“The police returned fire while chasing the suspect’s vehicle.”
Ipid investigate suspect's death
The chase eventually ended in Breede Street, Silwood Heights, where the suspects were caught.
Shuping said one of the suspects got out of the vehicle and tried to escape on foot.
“He then collapsed a few metres away from the car. He was declared dead on the scene.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that three suspects, aged 24, 25 and 35, had been arrested following the incident.
Twigg referred questions about the fatality to IPID for further comment.
Shuping confirmed that IPID had taken over the investigation into the suspect’s death.
“An inquest docket was opened and IPID took over the investigations.”
An arson case has also been opened against the deceased suspect and the three arrested men.
“The arson docket was opened against the deceased and other three suspects. It is being investigated by Kleinvlei detectives,” Shuping said.
Police have not yet confirmed if any of the suspects have been charged.