Mpumalanga Police Shootout: Child Injured, Suspect Dead, Investigation Underway
- A 13-year-old who was accidentally wounded during a shootout between police and a suspect in Denilton, Mpumalanga, is recovering in hospital
- Police told Briefly News that the suspect, who was wanted for multiple armed robberies, was killed during the exchange
- The Independent Police Investigative Directorate launched a probe into the shooting, which also left one officer wounded
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Zingisa Chirwa is an experienced Briefly News journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, who has covered Mpumalanga crime and current affairs on the radio for over 15 years.
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A 13-year-old, who was caught in the crossfire of a shootout between police and a suspect in Denilton, Mpumalanga, is recovering in hospital.
Suspect dies in police shootout
Mpumalanga's SAPS told Briefly News that the incident left the 39-year-old suspect dead and a police officer wounded on 23 May 2024.
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Officers said they traced the suspect, linked to numerous armed robberies in Vosman, Siyabuswa, Tweefontein, Kwamhlanga, and Mmametlake, to the Malaining area. When the suspect spotted law enforcement officers, he reportedly opened fire, which resulted in a tense exchange that led to the death of the 39-year-old. Mpumalanga's SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said the minor, who was hit by a stray bullet, was rushed to hospital.
Mdhluli told Briefly News that the weapon recovered from the deceased suspect would be subjected to forensic testing to determine whether it was involved in other crimes. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) launched a probe into the shooting.
South Africans weigh in
Netizens wondered if Mpumalanga police were taking the same stance as their KwaZulu-Natal counterparts when tackling crime.
@BlondieThamaga asked:
“Does the criminal have a name?”
@HlopheCebo said:
“Looks like they got the memo from KZN.”
@Shaka1_ probed:
“Is General Nhlanla Mkhwanazi in Mpumalanga?”
@Thokoza88288017 commented:
"SAPS"
@LouisChanguion added:
“Justice prevailed. He will no longer terrorize citizens.”
Mpumalanga tragedy: Six lives lost in Bushbuckridge collision
Briefly News reported that six people died in a tragic accident between a delivery truck and a taxi in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga.
Authorities believed that the truck was travelling on the R40 when it lost control and hit a pedestrian before crashing into a taxi.
Mpumalanga's acting Safety MEC, Busi Shiba, urged motorists to be vigilant when driving.
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Source: Briefly News
