There was high drama in the rural town of Qumbu in the Eastern Cape on Tuesday where a shootout ensued leaving three suspects dead.
Police Spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli says four armed robbers arrived in two vehicles at a shop on Main street where they held employees and customers at gunpoint, demanding money.
He says the owner of the shop was assaulted with a hammer after which more money was taken from the tills.
Police members in Qumbu were alerted to the robbery and immediately responded with the members from the Tactical Response Unit (TRT) called in as backup.
A dramatic shootout caught on cellphone camera ensued and three suspects aged between 32 and 40 were killed.
Nkohli says a fourth suspect, aged 48, surrendered to police.
One police officer sustained a graze wound on his left leg.
Police confiscated two bakkies, believed to belong to the suspects as well as three firearms.
A case of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, an inquest and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm is under investigation.
