Police crime prevention operations in Gqeberha led to the fatal shooting of a wanted suspect in Walmer on Thursday afternoon.
Police spokesperson Lt Col Siphokazi Mawisa said the suspect was fatally wounded after allegedly pointing a firearm at members of the national intervention unit (NIU).
“While patrolling at Walmer Links, they spotted a white VW Polo that was driven by a suspect believed to be involved in various crimes in the Nelson Mandela Bay district, so they tried to stop and search him.”
Mawisa said the suspect, 23, was blocked in by police vehicles, and when he got out of his car he was armed with a handgun.
He allegedly pointed the firearm at the NIU members who responded, fatally shooting the suspect.
“Upon searching the suspect and the vehicle an unlicensed 9mm CZ pistol and ammunition was recovered,” Mawisa said.
The name of the suspect has not been released, and further details about the alleged criminal history were not divulged.
Mawisa said an inquest was opened along with a case of pointing of a firearm.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has taken over the case for further investigation.
HeraldLIVE
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