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A suspect has been killed, one wounded and another injured when his getaway vehicle hit a horse on the road between Stutterheim and Qonce.
A spokesperson for the Hawks Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana says the drama unfolded on Sunday when a multi-disciplinary Task Team pounced on the three suspects who were on their way to Stutterheim to allegedly extort money also known as a protection fee, from a foreign national's business.
He says their operation started on Saturday but when the suspects did not show up the teams withdrew.
The following day the Hawks received info again and the plan was back in action.
WO Mhlakuvana says several business owners handed over money while under the watchful eye of the task team.
He says when they approached the men a shoot-out ensued and a 39-year-old suspect was shot and killed while his alleged accomplice sustained a gunshot wound to his shoulder.
The Hawks says the third suspect fled from the scene in the direction of Qonce in a silver Renault.
WO Mhlakuvana says they found the vehicle at an accident scene where the suspect was seriously injured after colliding with a horse.
He says police recovered two firearms with their serial numbers filed off, as well as all the stolen money.
Both suspects are currently in hospital under police guard and will appear in the Stutterheim Magistrates Court once they have recovered.
They will be charged with extortion, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
