Police crime scene experts are still scouring a crime scene where two suspected extortionists were shot and killed and one seriously wounded in a shootout with police on Tuesday afternoon.
Reports indicate that a dedicated team of police officials with intelligence on suspects who were alleged to have extorted businesses, followed a vehicle with three occupants. Upon realising that police were following them, the suspects fired shots at the police. A shootout along the N1 near the Sable Road off-ramp ensued, resulting in the two fatalities and one suspect seriously wounded. He was subsequently taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Three firearms were seized from the vehicle after the shootout. Preliminary investigations indicate the vehicle the suspects were travelling in was hijacked in Thornton a few days ago.
Investigations are underway to determine the identities of the deceased individuals.
Serious and Violent Crime Investigations of the Provincial Organised Crime unit are probing attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms as well as possession of a hijacked vehicle charges. Meanwhile the IPID will investigate the inquest.