Suspect fatally shot in Barberton
The man was killed during a shootout with police at his home from which explosives, a firearm and cartridges were confiscated.
A male suspect (51) was fatally shot during a shootout with SAPS members from the National Intervention Unit in Barberton during the early hours of July 5.
A provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said they were following up on information regarding a person in possession of explosives. At around 04:00, the police went to a house in Barberton and upon arrival at the premises the members reportedly identified themselves, even switching on blue lights outside while continuously shouting that they were police officers.
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“They made several attempts to be allowed in without any response and had to force their way in through the gate. It was not long before shots were fired at police from within the house, forcing them to take cover while continuing to announce that they are SAPS members. According to a report, their efforts were ignored as they were subjected to a barrage of bullets. The officers had no other option but to engage in the shootout which resulted in shooting the man who was firing at them. He reportedly sustained wounds,” Mohlala said. According to him, the SAPS summoned paramedics for the man to receive treatment, but he succumbed to his wounds.
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The Independent Police Investigative Directorate was notified and will be conducting an investigation regarding the shooting incident.
“The Nelspruit Explosives Section was also summoned to the scene and besides a 9mm pistol and some cartridges for a pistol and rifle recovered next to the man’s body, police also found explosive devices, about 19 detonating capped Dura fuses, as well as about 20 detonating cartridges inside the house.”
Mohlala added that these items convinced police that the man could have been the person they were looking for during their investigation into explosives illegally stored in the house.
In addition to the fatal shooting of the man, an investigation will also focus on the attempted murder of police officials, contravention of Section 28(1)of the Explosives Act, Act 26 of 1956 and the illegal possession of explosives.
