Durban - Footage circulating on social media of a business robbery in Qumbu in the Eastern Cape last week looked like scenes taken straight from an action movie.
In the video rapid gunfire can be heard as police officers wearing bulletproof vests and armed members from the Tactical Response Team (TRT) are seen moving towards the entrance of the store.
A crowd gathered outside the store can be heard cheering as the police exchange rapid gunfire with the robbers.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said that on October 11, at about 9.30am four armed men entered a shop in the Main Street in Qumbu and held the employees and customers at gunpoint before demanding money.
“The owner of the shop was assaulted with a hammer after which more money was taken from the tills,” she said.
Naidu said SAPS Qumbu members were alerted to the robbery and immediately responded to the scene.
“As they approached the entrance of the shop, they were met with a hail of bullets coming from inside,” she said.
She said TRT members arrived as back-up and a shootout between police and the suspects took place.
“In the ensuing shoot-out, three suspects aged between 32 and 40 years were fatally wounded while the fourth suspect, aged 48 surrendered to police,” said Naidu.
One police officer sustained a graze wound on his left leg, she said.
According to police, two bakkies suspected to belong to the suspects and three firearms were confiscated by police.
Naidu said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) were informed of the incident.
“Police are investigating cases of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, inquest and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm,” she said.
Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene commended the swift actions of SAPS Qumbu members and the TRT.
Mene said police had the upper hand over the robbers.
“We will not share our space nor will we have any mercy for criminals. Criminals are warned that their actions have serious consequences when they find themselves on the wrong side of the law,” he said.
Mene said the arrest of one hardened criminal, or even the recovery of one illegal firearm, could spare the life of a police officer as well as a law-abiding citizen.
“We will not hesitate to defend ourselves and the lives of our citizens while acting within the confines of the law,” he said.
In another video shared on social media platforms, community members applaud the police.
As one of the TRT members walks past the crowd, a man is heard saying, “Good work, really good work.”
