A 32-year-old wanted suspect was arrested in Manenberg, Cape Town, after he allegedly opened fire on members of the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit about 150 metres from a voting station during special voting this week.
According to SAPS, the suspect "started shooting at police upon seeing them" in Ruimte Road. In a statement, police said the Anti-Gang Unit members returned fire and arrested him. No injuries were reported.
What police say they recovered
Police recovered a firearm with an extended magazine and 32 rounds of ammunition. The suspect is expected to appear in court on charges of attempted murder and unlicensed possession of a firearm. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty. SAPS has not released his identity or further details of the firearm, and has not said when he will appear in court.
Western Cape police management commended the officers for having averted a potential shooting incident.
Election security
The arrest came as police stepped up deployments for the local government elections. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has reported 21 criminal cases and six arrests linked to special voting. Police and soldiers are on standby for Election Day.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said on Wednesday that disciplinary action will be taken against a KwaZulu-Natal police officer who arrived at a voting station in a vehicle carrying party posters.
What we do not yet know
- Whether the shooting was linked to the elections or to the suspect's alleged wanted status alone.
- The date and court of the suspect's first appearance.
