SAPS
A suspected copper cable thief has been shot dead by police during a high-speed chase and shootout on the N6 between Maletswai and Komani.
Captain Ursula Roelofse reports that members from Aliwal North Crime intelligence received information from Komani at around 7 pm on Monday that a Silver VW Amarok was headed their way and believed to be transporting stolen copper cables.
Waylay duties were conducted and as the Amarok drove into Maletswai, a shot was fired at Police as they attempted to stop the vehicle.
Captain Roelofse says the three Operational Command Centre members returned fire and pursued the Amarok down the N6 in the direction of the Hertzog Bridge and into the Free State.
More shots were exchanged and the vehicle then crashed into the barriers on the side of the road and came to a standstill.
Captain Roelofse says the driver jumped over the barrier and fled into the darkness while police were able to arrest two suspects, aged 29 and 34.
A 4th suspect was found dead inside the Amarok which was found to be fully loaded with rolls of stolen copper wire.
No police members were injured in the incident.
