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Western Cape police said three people suspected to have been part of an extortion gang were killed in a shootout with police in Bothasig on Wednesday.
Colonel Andre Traut said four other suspects were wounded and under police guard in hospital.
He said members of the Provincial Operational Command Centre’s Combat Team responded to information about seven people in a mini-bus extorting money from shop owners in Du Noon.
Traut said when the team arrived on the scene the suspects fled, and a chase ensued during which they reportedly opened fire on the two pursuing police vehicles with an automatic rifle.
He said police returned fire, fatally wounding three suspects, while the other four were wounded and placed under arrest.
Traut said the assault rifle, a 9mm pistol, an undisclosed amount of cash, and the mini-bus were seized.
He said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will also be investigating the shooting incident.
No SAPS members nor any members of the public were injured during the incident.
