WATCH: Police walk deadly Makhado shootout scene
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and Hawks head Godfrey Lebey led police members in Limpopo on a walk of the scene where 18 suspected Cash-in-Transit (CIT) robbers were shot dead at a house in Makhado on Friday.
The shooting comes on the first day of Police Safety Month which is observed annually in September.
According to police reports, the intelligence led operation led officers to the suspected safe house in Makhado where they planned to arrest the gang, believed to be behind a series of CIT heists in the province.
National Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirms all the suspects died on the scene.
"18 of the heavily armed and dangerous suspects including two females were fatally shot.
"One police officer was injured during the exchange of fire and is being treated in hospital.”
Police Minister, Bheki Cele says police are urged to continue to execute their mandate enshrined in the Constitution, in protecting the public and enforcing the law", adds Police ministry spokesperson Lirandzu Themba.
"This fatal shoot-out and take down which lasted over 90 minutes must serve as a serious warning to criminals; individuals or gangs - that police will forever respond accordingly to any level of criminality. Police are under instruction to stamp the authority of the state and will not hesitate to use what is at their disposal and within the law to protect citizens and their property."
