One suspect shot and killed in Thabong, rifles seized

FREE STATE – Following the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele’ visit to Thabong where he engaged with the community on issues of policing, illegal mining, gang and drug-related crimes, as well as the introduction of a 12 member task that will henceforth deal with issues pertaining to illegal mining and gangsterism, results thereof were apparent.

On Sunday 25 August 2019 at about 19:00, TRT and POP members have engaged in a crime intelligence-led operation, involving the selling of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The members were busy with an operation at Vivo Garage in Thabong, attempting to apprehend two suspects for being in possession of assault rifles.

As the Police were about to effect an arrest, one of the suspects allegedly cocked and pointed the rifle at one of the members. The member reacted swiftly and fired a shot that hit the suspect in the stomach. He died at the scene. The deceased is still unknown and the police are on the lookout for the other suspect who managed to flee from the scene. Three assault rifles were recovered at the scene.