SAPS
The Independent Investigative Directorate (IPID) is probing the death of a suspected Gqeberha gang member, following an hour-long shootout with police in Walmer Township.
IPID spokesperson, Lizzy Suping, says the drama unfolded on Monday night when police were following up on information related to various recent shooting incidents in the area.
The tip-off led officers to a house in Ntakumba Street, Walmer Township.
Suping says when officers arrived at the premises a dog started barking, alerting the occupants of activity outside.
They reacted by shooting at the police through a window who then returned fire.
IPID says some witnesses alleged that a stun grenade which was thrown into the house exploded and caused a fire but Provincial Police said the cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.
In the resultant shoot-out, one person was killed, another injured and a police officer wounded.
Three suspects were arrested but one managed to escape and is still at large.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Brigadier Thembinkosi Kinana says they recovered a Taurus revolver with ammunition, 38 rounds of ammunition for a 9mm, a gas gun and four paintball rifles.
He says when firefighters extinguished the blaze they also found a bullet-resistant vest.
Brigadier Kinana says the three suspects aged between 29 and 35 will appear in court soon on 22 charges of attempted murder and several firearms-related charges.
The name of the deceased was not released to the media.
(This story has been updated with additional information from Provincial Police).
