Eastern Cape police have shot dead five suspected robbers who raided a pension pay-point in a remote village near Lusikisiki.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela, said six others were arrested following the shoot-out, while police were on the hunt for the remaining suspects.
"It is alleged that about 12 suspects stormed at a local shop used as a pension paypoint and robbed the owner of an undisclosed amount of cash. Police were alerted to the robbery and with the help of community members were located in a nearby village. When the suspects saw the police, the suspects started shooting at the police members and police retaliated," Fatyela said.
He said six suspects, aged between 23 and 35 were arrested and four 9mm pistols were recovered.
"Five other suspects aged between 25 and 45 were fatally wounded. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been informed. Police are on the heels of the other outstanding suspects. The vehicle the suspects used was reportedly hijacked in Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal".
Fatyela said the arrested suspects will appear in the Lusikisiki Magistrates Court on 18 April 2016 on charges of robbery, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition and possession of vehicle reported to be hijacked.
