Residents of Enkanini informal settlement in Khayelitsha were left traumatised after armed criminals exchanged fire with the police on Friday 6 May.
The incident happened in broad daylight and reportedly left some residents injured. They said several people were injured during the shooting.
Resident Mhimhi Sobantu said the incident happened during the day.
“I was taking a bath when I heard gunshots outside. I jumped out of the water and lay on the floor. There were more than 10 shots. After a while when I heard people talking I went outside to check what happened,” said Sobantu, adding that she saw some people laying on the ground looking as if they were injured.
However, she said she didn’t recognise who the victims were. “I was so scared I didn’t watch it. But crime here is high. People are getting robbed at night. Early this year, there was an unknown body that was found in the bushes along Baden Powell,” she said.
Harare Police Station spokesperson Capt Siyabulela Vukubi confirmed that Harare and Makhaza officers arrested four suspects and seized three firearms after a shootout.
“Members followed up on information of a hijacked vehicle (red Mini Cooper) that was allegedly taken in Mfuleni. On Friday 6 May at approximately 10:30 they managed to trace one of the suspects who led them to others in Enkanini informal settlement, Khayelitsha. As police approached the house and knocked on the door, unknown suspects that were inside suddenly fired shots at the police, who returned fire,” said Vukubi.
He said three out of the four suspects were wounded and are under police guard in hospital.
Vukubi stated that the police recovered three pistols whose serial numbers were removed, one live round as well as five cellphones suspected to be stolen.
“Four suspects were arrested for attempted murder, possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition as well as possession of suspected stolen property.
The fifth suspect, who pointed out the others, was detained for carjacking that happened in Mfuleni.
“Once charged, suspects aged between 22 and 25 will appear in Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court,” said Vukubi.