An individual is dead, another severely injured and two others are in custody following a shoot-out with police near Komatipoort on Thursday, August 27.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said members of SAPS’ provincial tracing team were following up on intelligence regarding suspects wanted for murder, armed robbery, and assault when they spotted a suspicious Volkswagen Polo travelling from Komatipoort.

The officers signalled for the driver to pull over, but the vehicle sped off instead, leading to a chase. Occupants of the Polo opened fire on the police, resulting in a shoot-out.

One suspect was fatally wounded during the exchange of gunfire, while a second was seriously wounded. The wounded suspect was transported to a medical facility and remains under police guard. Another two suspects were apprehended on the scene without injuries.

Two unlicensed firearms were recovered.

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Links to recent farm attack under investigation

Masondo said investigators are working to establish whether the group is connected to violent crimes in the region, including a farm attack that took place in Komatipoort on August 23, during which a security guard was shot and killed.

He said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate is investigating the fatal shooting of the suspect, while SAPS investigates cases of attempted murder against the surviving suspect. They have also been charged with possession of unlicensed firearms, with additional charges expected.