Violent end for suspected killers of elderly couple in Mpumalanga
Scene of deadly shoot-out where five suspects were killed during a confrontation with police in Hammersdale.
Image: Supplied
Five suspects wanted in connection with the murder of a man and his wife were killed in a shoot-out with police in the Mophela area of Mpumalanga township, Hammersdale, on Sunday, May 11.
According to the South African Police Services, intelligence was gathered about the suspects’ whereabouts and movements. Officers intercepted the vehicle the suspects were travelling in along the Mophela main road and signalled for them to stop. However, the suspects allegedly ignored the instruction and opened fire on the police.
Police returned fire, resulting in all five suspects being shot and fatally wounded at the scene.
Police confirmed in a statement that a full search of the vehicle was still pending, but that three firearms were already recovered from the suspects.
The group was being sought in connection with the murder of a 66-year-old man who was gunned down at his home in the Ekwandeni area last Saturday. According to police, the man had previously survived an earlier attempt on his life in January, and his wife had been shot and killed in February this year.
Police also revealed that the same suspects were linked to the killings of two police officers, and ongoing investigations may connect them to additional violent crimes.
“The suspects were being closely monitored and were considered dangerous. We believe this was a significant breakthrough,” the statement read.
Authorities say investigations are continuing, and further forensic work is underway to determine the full extent of the suspects’ criminal activities.