File
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate will be probing the deaths of six alleged suspects following a shootout with police near Butterworth in the Eastern Cape.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said the shootout occurred at around 14h30 on Thursday when officers were engaged by gunmen who had fled from police.
She said members of the National Intervention Unit had received information that firearms were being transported in a vehicle from Cofimvaba.
Mawisa said when they spotted the car and attempted to stop it, the driver sped off and a chase ensued.
She said during the pursuit between Ndabakazi and Butterworth, shots were fired at the police, who then retaliated.
“On investigation, six people were fatally wounded, and firearms were recovered in their vehicles.
Mawisa said the case has been referred to IPID for further investigation.
