Two suspected extortionists were fatally wounded during a shootout with police in Cala, Eastern Cape after officers tried to stop their vehicle.
The men, aged 35 and 45, were killed at Cala Reserve near Tikana stop at about 3.45pm on Wednesday, October 21, while a third suspect fled the scene.
The Eastern Cape police said two inquest dockets, as well as cases of possession of unlicensed firearms and attempted murder, had been opened at Cala Police Station following the incident.
Police tracked suspected extortionists
According to police, members of the National Investigation Unit (NIU) based in Mthatha were following up on information that three men were allegedly planning to collect extortion money in Cala.
Police spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said officers spotted a vehicle matching the description of the one they were looking for at Cala Reserve and attempted to stop it.
However, the occupants allegedly refused to stop and opened fire on the police, prompting officers to retaliate.
“Police retaliated and two african males were fatally wounded while another one successfully fled the scene,” Mgolodela said.
Police said a search for the third suspect was under way and that his arrest was imminent.
Two firearms seized at the scene
No police officers were injured during the exchange of gunfire.
According to police, officers successfully used their tactical response skills to avoid being injured during the confrontation.
A 9mm pistol and two live rounds of ammunition were found with one of the deceased men, who was inside the passenger seat of a Toyota Avanza.
The second deceased man was found lying next to the road, with another pistol next to him.
“Both 9mm pistols were seized for further investigation to determine possible linkage to other unresolved criminal activities,” Mgolodela said.
IPID to investigate deaths
Police said all relevant role-players, including the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), visited the scene to carry out their respective responsibilities.
The inquest docket will be transferred to IPID for further investigation into the deaths.
The investigation into the alleged attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and the search for the third suspect are continuing.
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