By Buziwe Nocuze
Eight cash-in-transit robbery suspects were killed in Town Two, Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Monday night.
Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said the suspects were caught by a team of police and security officials, acting on a tip-off about a possible cash-in-transit robbery.
The suspects opened fire, leading to a shootout where eight were killed and five were arrested.
Police seized seven AK-47 rifles, two R5 rifles, one R4 rifle, two 9mm pistols, three explosive devices, and several magazines of ammunition.
Detectives are investigating and following up on more leads.
Khayelitsha Development Forum chairperson Nodumo Khuthuka said the incident showed it was time for community action.
“I don’t think what happened will bring change in Khayelitsha; as leaders and community members, we need to work with the SAPS. Crime is too high, and we are not safe in our own homes,” said Khuthuka.
She said that even going to the shops has become scary.
“If we don’t stand up now, criminals will think they are ruling us. We don’t like what is happening, but until we do something about it, crime will continue to rise,” said Khuthuka.
Kholiswa Mathe, a Khayelitsha resident, said: “I feel sorry for the families who didn’t support the suspects’ criminal activities. But for those who knew and did nothing, I’m sure they were expecting this day; they knew it would come.”
She hopes the deaths will bring some peace.
“All Cape Town communities need peace and space to breathe; we have been living in fear because of criminals. Maybe after this, they will take a step back,” said Mathe.
Pictured above: Eight suspects were shot and killed in Khayelitsha township, while five were arrested.
Source: Supplied
