SAPS
East London police are investigating a case of business robbery after five men tried to rob the Komga Spar Supermarket in Qumrha earlier on Tuesday.
The drama unfolded shortly after 7 am when suspects, armed with rifles, ordered the manager to hand over the keys to the safe before locking all the staff inside the storeroom.
Police were alerted about a robbery in progress at the supermarket situated along the R63 in Qumrha and immediately responded and called for back-up from the Tactical Response Unit and the National Intervention Unit.
Spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana says when officers arrived on the scene they came under intense gunfire from the criminals who were armed with pistols and assault rifles.
As the police retaliated, the suspects gave up when one was killed and three wounded.
Brigadier Kinana says a fifth suspect was arrested and is currently in custody while his three accomplices are under police guard in hospital.
Two assault rifles, a pistol, ammunition a grinder and a vehicle were confiscated.
Brigadier Kinana says it is suspected that the suspects arrived at the scene with a stolen vehicle.
The arrested suspects, aged between 30 and 40 are expected to appear in the Komga Magistrate Court once they are charged.
Police did not release the identity of the suspect who was killed.
The other men will only be identified once they have appeared in court.
The investigation continues.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC, Weziwe Tikana-Gxotiwe has commended the police for their swift response and heroic work in protecting themselves and innocent shoppers during the shootout.
“We salute our officers for putting their lives on the line to protect the people of this province. Their actions are an indication of good work that the officers are putting in day in and day out. Five less criminals out of our streets,” said Tikana-Gxotiwe.
