Suspect killed, another injured in shootout with police in Mpumalanga

One suspect was killed and another seriously injured in a shootout with police in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, on Thursday.

Two other suspects, a man and a woman, were arrested during the operation, while police recovered two unlicensed firearms.

According to police, members of the Tracing Team received information about a group of suspects wanted in connection with cases including murder, armed robbery and assault.

The team acted on the information and later spotted a suspicious Volkswagen Polo travelling through Komatipoort.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver allegedly refused to comply and sped away. The occupants then allegedly opened fire on the officers, triggering a shootout.

One suspect was fatally wounded during the exchange of gunfire, while another sustained serious injuries. He was taken to the Medical Care Centre under police guard.

The other two suspects were arrested without injury.

Police said the two firearms recovered during the operation were unlicensed and are believed to have been used during the shootout.

Investigators are also probing whether the suspects may be linked to other crimes in the area, including a farm attack in Komatipoort on 23 August in which a security guard was reportedly shot and killed.

A case of attempted murder has been opened following the alleged attack on the police officers, while a separate investigation into the possession of unlicensed firearms is also under way.

Police said additional charges could be added as the investigation progresses.