Cape Town - The condition of the four suspects wounded in a shoot-out with the police in Bothasig on Wednesday remains unknown.
The shoot-out involving the alleged extortionists left three suspects killed while four others were taken to hospital. Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said yesterday that there was no update on the matter and police were investigating.
Bothasig Neighbourhood Watch (BNHW) committee member Gary Conradie said: “Basically, on our side, we are thankful no member of the public was injured and also the home response company that kept people away from the incident. It was not our area where the extortion was happening; it was from another area and the tactical response from SAPS followed them and intercepted them here.”
The incident happened on the corners of Bosmansdam and Wyland roads, when a minibus in which the seven suspects had made their getaway was brought to a halt after crashing into a tree.
According to the police, the suspects were pursued by the Provincial Operational Command Centre’s combat team, who had acted on information that the suspects had been extorting their “protection fee” from shop owners in Dunoon.
Meanwhile, in Sydenham, Durban, four suspected extortionists between the ages of 38 and 48 are under police guard in hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds during a shoot-out with security guards on Wednesday.
KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said five men went to a construction site on O’Flaherty Road in Sydenham where a road was being constructed.
“The four suspects were arrested for extortion and cases of attempted murder were also opened. Four licensed firearms were found in the possession of the suspects and their two vehicles were also seized,” he said.
Last week, KZN police said they were searching for a man wanted in connection with a string of extortion cases in which he allegedly terrorised business people in and around the Mariannhill area west of Durban.
Netshiunda said a warrant of arrest had been issued for Linda Hlengwa, who also goes by the name “Mjinja” or “Putin”.
In addition to extortion cases, police said Hlengwa was wanted in connection with cases of illegal possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
“Hlengwa was arrested on July 20, 2020, after he was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition on Ukuthula Street in St Wendolins, Mariannhill, and was released from custody pending ballistic results.
“Since then, he has ignored summonses to appear in court to face his charges. A warrant of arrest was issued by the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on September 9.”
Police are appealing to anyone who might have information on the whereabouts of Hlengwa to contact investigating officer Sergeant Gwala on 079 889 9733 or make use of the crime stop number 08600 10111.
Cape Argus