A swift response from members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Western Cape Provincial Operational Command Centre Combat Team resulted in the arrest of four suspected extortionists. The suspects sustained gunshot wounds during an exchange of gunfire with officers in Bothasig, with three suspects fatally wounded during the incident.

The Combat Team acted on information regarding seven occupants of a minibus taxi, who were believed to be extorting money from shop owners in Du Noon. Upon the arrival of officers at the scene, the suspects fled, and officers initiated a pursuit. During the pursuit along Bosmansdam Road, the suspects opened fire at two police vehicles with an assault rifle. Police returned fire and brought the vehicle to a halt on the corner of Bosmansdam and Wylands Roads. The assault rifle, a 9 mm pistol, an undisclosed amount of cash was recovered, and the minibus taxi was confiscated.

While the injured suspects are undergoing medical treatment under police guard, detectives are investigating leads to prepare charges against the suspects for their imminent court appearances. The identities of the suspects are yet to be released.

The three fatalities and the injuries sustained by the four suspects are being investigated by IPID and a death inquest case docket has been registered. Fortunately, no SAPS members or members of the public were injured during the incident, police said.

Extortion remains a top priority for the Western Cape Police, the SAPS said, and the public is encouraged to come forward by using the toll-free extortion hotline, 0800 314 444.