Developing story: The Hawks say they will release more information as the investigation progresses.
Five suspected cash-in-transit robbers were killed in a shootout with police in Gqeberha on Monday 9 November, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) has said.
The gun battle took place near a scrap metal yard in the city after armed suspects allegedly targeted a security company vehicle. Police pursued vehicles suspected of being involved.
What the Hawks say happened
Hawks spokesperson Captain Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said: “The confrontation culminated in five suspects sustaining fatal gunshot wounds.”
Mhlakuvana said other suspects “managed to flee the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash”. No police officers or security guards were injured, but two firearms belonging to the guards were stolen.
What we do not yet know
- The identities of the five dead suspects.
- How much cash was taken, and how many suspects escaped.
- Whether the firearms and cash have been recovered, and whether arrests have been made.
- Whether an independent investigation into the deaths has been opened.
The people killed are suspects only and have not been tried or convicted of any offence.
