Mpumalanga Mayhem: Police Shootout Ends with Five Suspected Robbers Dead

Five suspected robbers were killed in a shootout with police in Mpumalanga early on Monday morning. The operation, led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, followed up on intelligence regarding planned ATM bombings in the Witbank area.

Shootout at Alleged Safe House

According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, the team received information about a group of suspects planning criminal activities and traced them to a location in Schoongezicht, Emalahleni. The suspects had reportedly gathered at what was believed to be a safe house.

The team was on the lookout for a white Toyota Hilux, which was later spotted leaving the area. When the police attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspects opened fire, leading to a violent shootout.

Weapons and Explosives Seized

The shootout ended with five suspects fatally wounded and one injured. Police recovered a range of weapons at the scene, including an R5 rifle, a hunting rifle with a scope, three 9mm pistols, and explosives. The white Toyota Hilux the suspects were traveling in was seized for further investigation.

The National Head of the DPCI, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, commended the swift actions of the police team. He urged potential criminals to reconsider their actions, stating that such behavior leads to serious consequences. “The team shall always be on alert,” he added.

This shooting follows another deadly incident in Mpumalanga on Sunday, where two alleged robbers were shot dead after attempting to rob an armed hitchhiker in Middleburg. The robbers, who had given the hitchhiker a ride, held him hostage and attempted to steal his bank card and PIN.

When the robbers stopped at an ATM, the hitchhiker managed to pull out a firearm, fatally shooting the driver and one passenger. The remaining suspects fled the scene. Police later arrested one of the suspects after he returned to the area.

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