A violent confrontation unfolded on Tuesday, 15 October 2024, near Century City, Cape Town, when police engaged in a shootout with three suspects believed to be involved in extortion activities.
Story Summary:
- Two suspects were shot dead in a confrontation with Cape Town police, with a third suspect wounded.
- The shootout occurred after police followed the suspects’ vehicle, which was connected to extortion crimes targeting businesses.
- This incident comes amid rising extortion-related violence in Cape Town, with several police officers recently implicated in similar crimes.
Century City shooting: Here’s what we know
The incident occurred on the N1 highway near the Sable Road off-ramp.
Police spokesperson Lt-Col Malcolm Pojie explained that police had received intelligence linking the suspects to the extortion of local businesses.
When officers began trailing their vehicle, the suspects opened fire, prompting police to retaliate.
Two suspects were killed, while the third was seriously wounded and later transported to a hospital.
Police recovered three firearms from the scene and identified the suspects’ vehicle as one that had been hijacked in Thornton days earlier.
Investigations into the incident and the identities of the suspects are ongoing, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will examine the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
Extortion in Cape Town: Here’s the latest news
This shootout is the latest in a string of violent extortion-related incidents in Cape Town, a city grappling with growing extortion syndicates.
Recently, several police officers were implicated in extortion operations targeting businesses.
Just this week, an eighth police officer was arrested, accused of extorting shop owners in Milnerton.
These officers allegedly demanded protection money from businesses and now face charges including extortion, business robbery, and corruption.
The arrests come on the heels of another high-profile case, in which four officers were linked to a R20 million jewellery heist.