SHOOTOUT IN WESBANK

POLICE shot and killed a suspected skollie in a shootout in Wesbank, as the community called for more visible policing after three shootings in the area on Saturday night. 

Cops were responding to a drive-by, when they followed another group of three men, who opened fire on the officers. 

But according to reports, the boys in blue fatally wounded one, while the other two were arrested. 

Public Relations Officer for the Mfuleni Community Police Forum, Mbano Magula said that the cause of the shooting is gang-related.

He told the Daily Voice: “The incident was reported by the Wesbank community where three suspects were followed by SAPS and they shot Police and one died and two were wounded.”

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed: "The second shooting took place on the corner of Fireback and Marthinus van Schalkwyk Streets around 7.30pm 

“An attempted murder, attack on police, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and possession of a presumably stolen vehicle was opened at Mfuleni SAPS.

"Kindly be informed that the circumstances surrounding the incident are now the subject of an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).”

Van Wyk also confirmed that two men were shot and injured in the earlier drive-by attack. 

He said: “Mfuleni police registered an attempted murder following a shooting incident at 6:45pm in Wydgelee Crescent where two males were shot and injured in a drive-by shooting.

“According to reports three unknown suspects driving in a white Honda vehicle with unknown registration number drove by and shot at the victims. Both were taken for medical treatment.

“The suspects are unknown. The motive is still unclear during the time of ongoing investigation.”

Moments later, Kleinvlei police registered a murder case following a shooting around 8:39pm in Mangold Street, where a 24-year-old male was shot.

Van Wyk added: “He was taken with a private vehicle to a nearby hospital where he later died due to injuries sustained. Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation. The motive for the incident forms part of police investigations. The suspect/s are yet to be arrested." 

Following the shootings, Concern residents of Wesbank claim that they have been "forgotten", after the shootings.

A resident who wants to protect her identity out of fear for her safety said that there is no trust in police.

She said: “Things are really bad in the community of Wesbank. We live in fear. Innocent people are being killed. Gangsters are fighting amongst each other and we are suffering. This is not right.

"We are desperately in need of help in Wesbank. It feels like the government has forgotten about Wesbank.”