BUSHBUCKRIDGE -  Three suspects, who had robbed a Pakistani shop in Calcutta from R25 000 in cash, airtime vouchers and cigarettes, met their match when police swooped down on them.

The suspects, who were travelling in a blue Volkswagen Polo stolen in Matsulu near Malalane, are alleged to have robbed a filling station in Hazyview as well.

The police immediately launched a manhunt for the robbers and they were traced to Mahushu in Masoyi. Upon spotting law-enforcement officers, the suspects opened fire. Police returned fire, shooting two of the suspects in the legs and fatally wounding a third. The latter was later certified dead at the scene.

Three guns and a rifle were confiscated at the scene and the wounded suspects were admitted to a local hospital. They will appear in court as soon as they are deemed fit.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was activated and they will also conduct their own investigation.

The Provincial Commissioner for Mpumalanga, Lt Gen Mondli Zuma, has reiterated that the police will not hesitate to protect the lives of community members, as well as their own, at all cost.

Submitted by: Brig Leonard Hlathi
Image URL / Digitally adjusted Africa InTouch News
Subeditor: Lynette Brink for Africa InTouch News