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The shootout took place after police responded to three armed men robbing a man on the side of the road.
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A man suspected of being involved in an armed robbery was killed during a shootout with police in Madeira, Eastern Cape, on Saturday afternoon.
The shootout occurred after police officers came across a robbery while on their way to Mthatha.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said the members of the Saps tactical response team reacted after seeing three armed men robbing a pedestrian on the roadside.
Nkohli said the three suspects fled to the nearby bushes under the N2 bridge when they saw the police officers.
“As the suspects were in the bushes, one of them opened fire, and police members who were approaching retaliated, and he was fatally shot,” he said.
Police also recovered a revolver with ammunition. Nkohli said it will be sent for ballistic testing.
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The other two suspects escaped, he said.
No police officers were injured during the shootout.
“A case of attempted murder with an additional charge of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition was opened for further investigation. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) will investigate an inquest docket to look at the circumstances surrounding the death of the suspect.”
OR Tambo District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana said police have launched a manhunt for the suspects who escaped.
“Police will strive towards combating serious and violent crimes in the OR Tambo District, and are also urging residents with information that could lead to the arrest of the other two suspects to contact the nearest police station. The information may also be shared via Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” said Modishana.
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