File
A 34-year-old extortion suspect was fatally wounded in a shootout with members of the National Intervention Unit in Centane in the Eastern Cape on Thursday.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa says they received information about the suspect demanding protection fees from businesses in the town's CBD.
She says when police responded, they spotted the suspect driving out of the town and tried to stop him.
Mawisa said he drew a gun and opened fire on the police, who returned fire, fatally wounding the man.
"Upon investigation, police recovered a 9mm firearm with a serial number filed off, a bulletproof vest, and his vehicle was also confiscated by police."
She said an inquest docket was opened for investigation.
The matter will also be referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, (IPID) for further investigation.
