King Williams Town - Stolen tobacco products valued at R100,000 were recovered and a robbery suspect was fatally wounded during a shoot-out with SA Police Service (SAPS) members in Fort Beaufort, police said on Thursday.
Spokesperson Colonel Sibongile Soci said the shoot-out occurred on Wednesday afternoon, at about 12:30pm.
“SAPS members received information about a hijacking of a BAT (British American Tobacco) truck in Keiskammahoek at about 11pm. Information indicated that the suspect was driving in the direction of Fort Beaufort,” said Soci.
Soci said the members of Fort Beaufort were placed on high alert and later the vehicle was spotted, then stopped and searched.
“They found some of the alleged stolen tobacco products and upon this, the suspect drew a firearm and started shooting at the police members on the scene.”
A shoot-out ensued when police members returned fire and the suspect was fatally wounded, Soci said.
Soci said the vehicle was suspected to have been hijacked earlier in Western Cape, and the stolen tobacco products with an estimated value of R100 000 as well as a 9mm pistol with the serial number filed off and several rounds of ammunition were found inside the vehicle.
Police have opened a case of armed robbery, as well as an inquest docket that relates to the death of the suspect. The inquest docket would be handled by the independent police investigative directorate for further investigations.
ANA