Shoot-out at post office sees three men killed

Three suspects were shot and killed in a shoot-out between members of the SAPS and a group of armed robbers in Bushbuckridge on Monday morning.

During a joint crime intelligence driven operation by the SAPS Limpopo and Mpumalanga tracking teams, as well as Bushbuckridge tactical response teams, members responded to a cash-in-transit heist in progress at a post office in Bushbuckridge.

The group of armed robbers had held the security officers of a G4S cash van hostage. While they were busy offloading the money from the van outside the post office, the multidisciplinary team intercepted them.

This led to a high speed chase and eventually a shoot-out between the suspects and the police. Three suspects were shot and killed and another two, who were shot and wounded, were transported to a nearby health facility under police guard.

An unknown number of suspects fled the scene in a Toyota Hilux and a silver Mercedes-Benz after they forcefully stopped passersby and hijacked them.

The Toyota Hilux was later found abandoned near Hazyview.

In the process, police managed to recover some of the stolen money, two pistols and three vehicles – the hijacked Toyota Hilux, as well as a Ford Ranger and Toyota Fortuner believed to have been used by the suspects. It was later found that both were fitted with false registration number plates.

During the shoot-out a member of the SAPS unfortunately also sustained a gunshot wound. He was taken to the nearest health facility where he is currently receiving medical treatment.

The R40 in Bushbuckridge was closed due to forensic investigations on Monday and traffic was relayed through the back streets.

Police also notified the health department to be on the lookout for a suspect or suspects with gunshot wounds who might seek medical assistance, as blood stains were found in the hijacked Toyota Hilux.

The national commissioner of the SAPS, Gen Khehla Sitole, wished the SAPS official in hospital a speedy recovery and thanked the teams for their bravery and swift action.

He instructed the implementation of the 72-hour activation plan to mobilise all resources in a bid to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Sitole also called on communities to assist with the work and investigation of the police into this matter.

Members of the public were further forewarned that harbouring criminals is a criminal offense, so if found hiding or assisting these suspects in any way, they too would be guilty of a crime.

Members of the public can call the SAPS hotline on 086-001-0111 to report any information to authorities.

The public can be assured that information and their identity will be treated with the strictest confidence. Callers may also remain anonymous.

Enquiries: Brig Vish Naidoo on 082-567-4153.