IPID investigates shootout between police and hijacking suspects

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating a case of discharge of a fire arm after police shot suspects during a car chase this week.

IPID spokesperson Grace Langa said that it had been alleged that on Monday 30 of August 2021 at around 18pm three SAPS Flying squad officers were on their way home when they noticed a suspicious white Volkswagen Polo vehicle near Strand Street in Kuilsriver opposite the local Shell petrol station.

“It is alleged that the South African Police Service(SAPS) members driving in a marked police vehicle instructed the driver of the white polo to stop and the suspect ignored them. Instead, he drove away and the flying squad members chased after the vehicle,” Langa said.

She said that IPID was investigating the incident during which police officers eventually cornered the suspect’s in Antsy Street opposite one of the houses in Kuilsriver.

“The driver of the suspected vehicle got out of the car and shot at the police members, who shot back and suspect was shot in his head,” Langa said.

She said the suspect had been travelling with a female suspect who sustained a gunshot wound to her leg during the shootout with the police officers.

“Both suspects were transported toTygerberg hospital,” Langa said.

She said the white VW Polo had in fact been hijacked in Cape Town.

“The two suspects are in hospital,” she said.

She said both suspects were currently under police guard in the hospital despite allegations that police had shot them both dead.

“We have the two suspects under police guard in hospital which nullifies allegations that are spreading that two suspects being shot dead. IPID is investigation the matter,” Langa said