Africa-Press – South-Africa. A 29-year-old suspect regarded as one of the most “feared, notorious and dangerous” hitmen in the Western Cape was shot dead during a shootout with police in Lwandle, near Strand, on Sunday night.
Police say Masimdumise Hlotywa, who was wanted by police in connection with the deaths of 12 victims in the area was fatally shot after police received information about his whereabouts.
Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said an integrated take-down operation with members of the provincial detectives’ Serious and Violent Crimes Investigations, supported by officers attached to various specialised units, tracked down the suspect.
“[Police] accosted him, but on spotting the members, the suspect discharged his firearm in the direction of the police members in an effort to evade arrest.
“The members retaliated and returned fire. The suspect was fatally wounded and … died on the scene,” Pojie said.
According to the police, a firearm and ammunition were found on the deceased.
Two other suspects, aged 32 and 36, who police believe were Hlotywa’s accomplices, were found at the scene and arrested.
“They are also linked to some of the cases in which the deceased is believed to [be] the kingpin,” said Pojie.
The three are linked to a triple murder, a double murder, four murders, and two attempted murders, including one that was perpetrated against a police officer.
They are also linked to a business robbery at a guest house and the possession of stolen goods belonging to a person they allegedly murdered.
Police said the two suspects will appear in the Strand Magistrate’s Court.
“They will remain in custody, and bail, if applied for, will be opposed.”
Police could not rule out the possibility that more charges could be added against the accused.
Lwandle community policing forum chairperson Siyabonga Macaula said he “welcomed the arrest with open arms”.
“It is unfortunate that a life was lost but [police] had to respond in a manner in which [they] deemed it fit. Many of us will know that this was a very notorious and dangerous criminal wanted for all kinds of criminal activities around the Western Cape, and we applaud police for the great work they did in investigating the whereabouts of the suspects,” said Macaula.
Western Cape police management lauded the members for their commitment to ridding neighbourhoods of criminals who have instilled fear in the community.
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