A dramatic shootout between the police and suspected armed robbers unfolded in Makwarela on Saturday morning in a scene described by witnesses as one resembling a Hollywood action movie. The gunbattle took place at about 08:00 at a boarding house behind the Makwarela Clinic.
When the exchange of gunfire ended, one suspect lay dead next to a room in the yard, while another was seriously injured and taken to hospital under police guard.
Mr Tovhowani Siemise, a community leader and member of the local patrol group, said he had been at home when he had heard gunshots.
"I rushed to the scene, thinking an armed robbery was in progress. The scene resembled a movie, with plainclothes police shooting. I even phoned the Thohoyandou police but was told it was a police operation. After the shooting, we learned that the room was rented by foreigners who were wanted for serious crimes. We are overwhelmed with crime perpetrated by foreigners. As the community patrollers, we will work with police to rid our area of crime," he said.
Vhembe SAPS spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident and said the operation had been based on intelligence about suspects wanted for serious crimes committed in Thohoyandou, Musina and Malamulele.
"At around 08:00, different components of the police — including the tactical response team, public order policing, the Thohoyandou task team and crime intelligence — acted on information about a hideout for wanted criminals. On arrival at the house, a man (36), who was outside, started shooting at police, who retaliated and fatally wounded him. Another man, aged 35, emerged from the house, also shooting. Police returned fire and seriously injured him," he said.
The wounded suspect was taken to hospital and remains under police guard.
"Three firearms were recovered at the scene. The fugitives are illegal foreigners from neighbouring Zimbabwe. The two are facing eight cases that include armed robberies, housebreakings and rapes committed in Musina, Malamulele and Thohoyandou. Possibilities of further arrests are high, following the arrest of the injured suspect," said Dathi.