Two alleged extortionists were killed and another suspect is fighting for his life in hospital after a confrontation with police on the N1 near Century City.
A team of cops dealing with extortion-related crimes received information after 4pm on Tuesday about suspects who were allegedly extorting businesses in Joe-Slovo.
Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie stated that the team swiftly acted on the tip-off and followed a vehicle with three occupants.
“Upon realising that police were following them, the suspects fired shots at the police. A shoot-out along the N1 near the Sable Road off-ramp ensued, resulting in the two fatalities and one suspect seriously wounded.
He was subsequently taken to a medical facility for treatment. Three firearms were seized from the vehicle after the shoot-out.
“Preliminary investigations indicate the vehicle the suspects were travelling in was hijacked in Thornton a few days ago. Investigations are under way to determine the identities of the deceased individuals,” said Pojie.
Serious and violent crime investigations of the provincial organised crime unit were probing and pursuing charges of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms as well as possession of a hijacked vehicle.
Last month, three suspected extortionists were killed in a shoot-out with police in Bothasig, about 10km away from the N1 incident, after they allegedly extorted money from shop owners in Du Noon.
An assault rifle, a 9mm pistol, an undisclosed amount of cash, as well as the minibus taxi were confiscated.
In August, a shoot-out between police and a group of suspects saw four people gunned down and four seriously wounded after an operation by a Western Cape task team following intelligence about wanted alleged extortionists. The group in a minibus was apparently collecting money in Phoenix, Milnerton and had plans to attack another gang rival.
Police confirmed that extortion was rife in and around the Milnerton area and they would continue to work with communities.
Police Watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokesperson Phaladi Shuping said the incidents were reported to them and were under investigation.
Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais commended police saying they were acting on sound crime intelligence that appeared to be making inroads in disrupting extortion syndicates in Cape Town.
“I welcome the progress the SAPS is making in the battle against extortion syndicates.
“This success is based on strong crime intelligence, which is very promising.
“But I also urge police to only use force where necessary so as to avoid innocent residents being harmed. We will be closely monitoring the court case with keen interest to ensure a successful prosecution,” said Marais.
Cape Times