The multi-disciplinary team tasked to investigate the murders of the five police officers and a civilian from Ngcobo made a major breakthrough after they fatally shot seven suspects in a shootout with the police.
More than 10 other suspects were arrested while others managed to escape. One police officer was wounded and he is recuperating in hospital
The task team which comprises of the Hawks, Detectives, Crime Intelligence, the Task Force, National Intervention Unit and the Tactical Response Team followed information on Friday evening of a possible gang that was responsible for the tragic incident.
The group which uses a church as a hiding place was cornered inside the church premises. A gun battle between suspects and police ensued which left seven suspects dead and a task force member injured in the legs.
An unknown number of suspects managed to escape are currently being sought. A number of firearms have been confiscated. Further details on the incident will be communicated once the crime scene has been processed by the SAPS Forensic Services Unit.
