- Manenberg police shot and killed an 18-year-old gang member who opened fire on officers during a patrol in Heideveld.
- The officers were responding to complaints of extortion and robbery.
- Following the incident, community members threw stones at the officers and attempted to remove evidence from the scene.
Manenberg police have shot and killed a suspect who opened fire on officers in Heideveld.
At 07:00 on Saturday 7 September, officers deployed on high-density patrols in the precinct responded to the complaint of extortion and armed robbery on the corners of Duinefontein and Ascension Road, Heideveld.
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Officers spotted three men standing on the corner as they approached. The suspects ran in the direction of Rooiberg Road to evade police. One of the suspects then turned around aiming a firearm at the approaching officers.
Officers fired several shots at the suspect. The 18-year-old man died at the scene and was later identified as a prominent gang member within the Heideveld area.
Manenberg police spokesperson Capt Ian Bennett pointed out. “It should not be taken lightly and could affect service delivery.”
A firearm found at the scene has been handed in for ballistic testing.
It is alleged these suspects were stopping taxis and extorting money from the drivers, while also robbing residents.
Following the fatal shooting officers standing off at the scene were pelted with stones by the community, which also attempted to remove evidence from the scene.
said Bennett. “Parents should be more involved in their children’s lives, but if they allow their children to run around with guns without stopping and allow them to shoot at officers, then the parents need to take responsibility for the consequences.”
According to Bennett, Manenberg is a difficult community to work in, as the perception is that police are the enemy.
An inquest case has been opened for investigation. Anyone with information can contact Manenberg police on 021 699 9400 or Crime Stop on 0860010111.
