Gunman killed in shootout with police in Mdantsane

AN UNKNOWN gunman was shot and killed by Mdantsane police during a heavy exchange of gunfire late yesterday afternoon.

When the Dispatch arrived at scene, the body of the man was still in the back of a forensic van.

The incident took place just after 4pm in NU1, barely 800m from the police station. Residents were still looking shocked.

Thabisa Mnqwazi, 39, said she was watching a PSL match on TV when she heard squealing tyres.

“I went outside and saw a white sedan driven by a man and a woman speeding past my house. Then I heard about eight gunshots and I ran for cover.”

Nomaxabiso Adam, 33, said she heard the gun battle and realised it was happening three streets from her house and heading her way. She said shots were fired all the way to the front of her house.

“A policeman in a Nissan Tiida stopped and jumped out and started chasing a guy wearing a white shirt. The man was carrying a pistol.” Adam said the man started jumping over fences of at least three house with the officer in hot pursuit. “He tried to run to an abandoned house but was shot.”

Spokesman Captain Mluleki Mbi said police were apparently following a tip-off on an illegal gun when the man opened fire. When they returned fire he was fatally shot. A 9mm pistol and pistol replica were recovered.