10 suspects arrested following shootout between SAPS & alleged gangsters in Ravensmead over confiscated alcohol

10 suspects were arrested, following a shootout between alleged gang members and officers in Ravensmead, on Friday.

PICTURES SUPPLIED

The violence appears to have started after a disagreement over confiscated alcohol that angered members of the 28s gang, during a combating operation by local officers. The liquor was found abandoned in an alley in Ravensmead

WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE

SAPS came under fire from alleged gang members and have requested urgent backup, where Law enforcement officers assisted.

‘’LEAP members responded and assisted Ravensmead SAPS. The shoot out continued as LEAP and SAPS drove the gangs back and who have now sought refuge within one of the apartment flats. SAPS Airwing has been activated, as well as the Metro Police Gang and Drug Task Team, with several hardened vehicles surrounding the premises,’’ said JP Smith,Mayco Member for Safety & Security.

In Ravensmead, Cape Town suspects allegedly shot at SAPS officers. They requested backup from City of Cape Town officers. As per CoCT "A SAPS member has been shot in the upper body and has been rushed to hospital, as well as a LEAP officer that had been shot in the leg." pic.twitter.com/aquCcUYF2z

— Aron Hyman (@aron_hyman) August 18, 2023

A South African Police Service (SAPS) officer and a Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer were shot at, during the incident.

Mayco Member for Safety & Security, JP Smith, said the SAPS member who was shot had the bullet only graze his forehead.

LEAP officer, Janine Africa is in a stable condition in hospital.

“Ravensmead SAPS registered two cases of attempted murder, [an] attack on police, public violence, as well as intimidation following an altercation earlier today between police and disgruntled members,” said Captain F.C van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.

The Western Cape's Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, says he is angered at what transpired in Ravensmead.

''These videos that are circulating on social media are deeply disturbing. we will not allow gangs and their activities to ravage our communities. we will continuously and consistently interrupt all of the illegal activities. those arrested must face the consequences - the law will prevail in this province.''

Allen further lamented the alleged involvement of community members inciting violence.

''I extend my wishes and a speedy recovery to the officers who were injured during the altercation. I thank them for not stepping back from these unscrupulous characters.

''It is alarming and sad to hear other community members are encouraging these thugs to pelt officers with stones and petrol bombs. These residents should know they are committing a crime, and not only inciting violence but they are also accessories to crime against these officers and by extension against these state. If communities are serious about combatting crime and lawlessness in their areas, they would under no circumstances conduct themselves in this manner.

Done By: Mitchum George

* THIS BLOG WAS UPDATED ON MONDAY, 21 AUGUST, TO ADD THE COMMENT OF THE WESTERN CAPE'S POLICE OVERSIGHT  & COMMUNITY SAFETY MEC.