Police say 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 late last night, 16 July.

He was wanted and positively linked to at least 10 cases, and which claimed the lives of 12 victims.

The crimes were committed in Lwandle between February 2022 and March 2023.

Police say the shooting occurred at about 23:00 last night, during an integrated 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.

The officers pounced on the premises, but the man spotted them, and immediately started shooting at the police members, in a bid to evade arrest.

The members then retaliated and returned fire at which point the suspect was fatally wounded. He died on the scene.

They then confiscated a firearm and ammunition which were found in possession of the notorious criminal.

In addition, the team arrested two alleged accomplices, aged 32 and 36, who were in the company of the deceased.

They are also linked to some of the cases in which the deceased is believed to have been 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.

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The two suspects will appear in the local magistrates’ court once charged. The possibility that more charges could be added has not been excluded.

Western Cape Police management has lauded the team involved in the raid for their endurance and commitment to rid communities of criminals that have instilled so much fear and terrorized the community for years.