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ZWELITSHA - Three suspects have been killed following a shootout with members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) in Ngqeleni in the Eastern Cape on Monday.
The three suspects were allegedly involved in extortion, collecting money from local shops.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, TRT members were traveling along the Nothintsila gravel road when they spotted the suspects who fit the description to the alleged extortionists.
They stopped their vehicles and approached the suspects. The suspects opened fire on the police, who retaliated. All three suspects died at the scene.
Three firearms belonging to the suspects, with their serial numbers filed off, were recovered at the scene. According to Gantana, the suspects have not yet been identified.
Cases of attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition have been opened.
The police are appealing for anyone with information regarding the suspects' identities or alleged extortion activities to come forward.
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