Western Cape’s most dangerous and notorious hitman killed during a shootout

A 29-year-old suspect, who is regarded as one of the most notorious and dangerous hitmen in the Western Cape, was killed during a shootout in Lwandle with police on Sunday.

According to police, the suspect was wanted and positively linked to at least ten cases which claimed the lives of 12 victims, perpetrated in Lwandle between February 2022 and March 2023.

‘’The shooting occurred during an integrated takedown operation, comprising members of the Provincial Detectives' Serious and Violent Crimes Investigations, supported by various members attached to specialised units.  The members followed up on information about the suspect's whereabouts and traced him down at a premises situated in Lwandle,’’ said Lt. Col. Malcolm Pojie.

‘’The members accosted him, but on spotting the members, the suspect discharged his firearm in the direction of the police members in an effort to evade arrest. The members retaliated and returned fire at which point the suspect was fatally wounded and succumbed to death on the scene. The members found and confiscated a firearm and ammunition which were found in possession of the deceased,’’ he added.

Pojie added that two accomplices aged 32 and 36 were also arrested who were in the company of the deceased.

‘’They are also linked to some of the cases in which the deceased is believed to the kingpin. The cases they are linked to includes a triple murder, a double murder, four murders, two attempted murders of which one was perpetrated against a police member, a business robbery at a guest house and the possession of stolen goods belonging to one of their murdered victims,’’ said Lt. Col. Malcolm Pojie.

He said the pair will appear in the local magistrates' court once charged. ‘’They will remain in custody and bail, if applied for, will be opposed. The possibility that more charges could be added against the accused and the deceased suspect, is not excluded,’’ said Lt. Col. Malcolm Pojie.