Bothasig police shootout with suspected extortionists sparks panic in the area
The incident, which happened on the corner of Bosmansdam Road and Wylands Road on Wednesday, resulted in three suspected extortionists being killed in the shootout and four others behind bars.
Police fatally wounded three suspected extortionists and arrested 4 others during a shootout in Bothasig, Cape Town on 25 September 2024. Picture: SAPS Western Cape
CAPE TOWN - Three suspected extortionists have been killed and four others are behind bars after a shootout with police in Bothasig on Wednesday.
The incident, which happened on the corner of Bosmansdam Road and Wylands Road, sparked panic in the area on Wednesday afternoon.
Edgemead resident Jolene Swain said she could hear the mayhem unfold at about 2pm.
"It all started when I heard loud sounds. I was working from home, and my daughter alerted me that one of her friends said that her mom called to say that there were gunshots."
Speaking from the scene, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection Bongani Maqashalala described the shootout.
"As they gave chase, the occupants fired shots at the police. The police retaliated. Four of them sustained injuries and they have been rushed to hospital. Three died instantly on the spot."
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais commended the police for acting against the suspected extortionists.
"I commend the police for the firm action against extortion in the Western Cape. Extortion must be nipped in the bud."
Police said detectives are pursuing leads to prepare the charges against the suspects for their imminent court appearances.