The police in the Northern Cape dealt tactically with a dangerous situation in Kuruman on Sunday, 18 June 2023, following a reported murder case in Maruping, Kuruman.
Police were on the trail of suspects who were allegedly involved in the murder of a 42-year-old male person in the early hours of Sunday, 18 June 2023 in Maruping.
The SAPS Tactical Response team (TRT) and the Flying Squad members under the Command of Captain Chumani Yono were mobilised in order to effect the arrests.
Based on information at their disposal, the team traced the suspects along the Mothibistad road while in transit and stopped their vehicle however, the suspects failed to adhere to police instructions and sped off.
The members gave chase and one of the occupants in the suspect’s vehicle was spotted pointing an object resembling a firearm to the police and a shootout ensued that brought the suspects’ vehicle to a halt and with one occupant wounded.
During a thorough search of the vehicle police discovered two more occupants in the boot who were believed to be the murder suspects the police team members were tracing, of which one was wounded and later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
A total of five suspects aged between 24 and 57 were arrested and charged for Attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm, kidnapping, resisting arrest and failure to stop a vehicle on a reasonable instruction of a police officer.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.
All suspects will appear in the Kuruman Magistrate’s Court soon.
The Management of the police are committed to the enhancement of service delivery in crime combatting initiatives, the reaction time and apprehension of perpetrators in medium to high risk incidence of crime.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele applauded the team for their swift response and the tactical manner in which they approached the situation without any SAPS member being injured.
Source: South African Police Service