NORTH WEST — A Moretele drop-safe bombing foiled by a joint tactical operation has resulted in a deadly shootout on the M35 route, leaving two suspects dead and three on the run. Acting on prior intelligence, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security partner Vision Tactical intercepted the suspect vehicle in a coordinated intervention.
According to spokespersons for SAPS and Vision Tactical, the interception escalated rapidly when the suspects inside the vehicle opened fire on the responding officers. A fierce shootout ensued. During the exchange of gunfire, two suspects were fatally wounded. Three other suspects managed to flee the scene before the area could be fully secured, and a manhunt is currently underway to track them down.
Spokespersons for SAPS and Vision Tactical confirmed that a substantial cache of weaponry and bomb-making materials was recovered from the scene following the shootout. The seized items included an AK-47 and DM4 rifles, alongside explosives and detonating equipment.
Authorities also impounded the suspect vehicle, identified as a Toyota Hilux, which was found to be fitted with false number plates in an attempt to evade detection. The investigation into the foiled bombing plot and the identities of the fleeing suspects remains ongoing.
