...By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
Shootout in Sebokeng: 9 Dead, 3 Injured Suspects
The death toll in the recent shootout between members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and a group of suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) heist suspects has risen to nine.
As previously reported, the incident occurred in Sebokeng, Sedibeng, Gauteng, on April 6, 2023.
Three other suspects are currently under police guard in a hospital.
According to Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the National police spokesperson, the SAPS Tactical Response Team (TRT) was acting on intelligence-driven information regarding suspects who were on their way to commit a CIT robbery that day.
The suspects were traced to an address in Sebokeng, where the gun battle ensued.
Police recover weapons and explosives following deadly shootout
SAPS recovered six rifles, six commercial explosives, and four vehicles after the incident.
The explosives were reportedly already assembled and ready to be detonated.
Minister of Police Bheki Cele said, “If they come hard on us, we came harder on them, it’s them and us on behalf of the community.
We can’t co-govern, we can’t rule with criminals. We are asserting the authority of the state on behalf of our communities.”
Police on high alert ahead of Easter weekend
With the Easter weekend fast approaching, the police across the country are on high alert.
It’s important to note that cash-in-transit heists are becoming more frequent in South Africa.
Criminals have also become more violent in their attempts to hijack CIT vans, leading to fatal encounters with law enforcement.
Therefore, the SAPS has been taking extra precautions to protect citizens and prevent these heinous crimes.
Commentary
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing problem of violent crime in South Africa.
The SAPS must take swift action to prevent further attacks and bring those responsible to justice.
It’s important to note that the police have a duty to protect citizens, and they must do so without resorting to excessive force.
With the Easter weekend coming up, it’s even more critical for law enforcement to be vigilant and take extra precautions to prevent any incidents from occurring.
The citizens of South Africa deserve to feel safe and secure, and it’s the government’s responsibility to make that a reality.
