A 29-year-old suspect, considered one of the most wanted and dangerous hitmen in the Western Cape, was killed during a fierce shootout with police in Lwandle.
Lwandle community rattled by death of most wanted hitman
In a statement, police spokesperson Lt Col Malcolm Pojie, revealed that the suspect, wanted in connection with multiple cases resulting in the deaths of 12 victims between February 2022 and March 2023, met his fate on Sunday, 16 July 2023, during an integrated operation led by the Provincial Detectives’ Serious and Violent Crimes Investigations unit.
The Police Operation
On Sunday, members from various specialised units, in collaboration with the provincial detectives from the Serious and Violent Crimes Investigations Unit, executed a meticulously planned operation targeting the notorious suspect.
Acting on credible information regarding his whereabouts, the officers traced the suspect to a location in Lwandle.
Upon encountering the suspect, he responded aggressively, discharging his firearm at the police officers in a desperate attempt to escape arrest.
The officers swiftly retaliated, resulting in the fatal shooting of the suspect, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
During a subsequent search, a firearm and ammunition were seized from the deceased.
Collateral Arrests and Criminal Involvement
Furthermore, the operation led to the arrest of two individuals, aged 32 and 36, who were found in the company of the deceased suspect.
These individuals are believed to be accomplices involved in several cases attributed to the deceased suspect.
The charges against them include involvement in a triple murder, a double murder, four individual murders, two attempted murders (including one targeting a police officer), a business robbery at a guest house, and the possession of stolen goods belonging to one of the victims.
Once charged, the two suspects will appear in the local magistrates’ court, with the prosecution strongly opposing any bail application.
The possibility of additional charges being brought against both the deceased suspect and the apprehended accomplices is not being ruled out.