Three killed in Newcastle shooting, ATM bombing

Police say a group of suspects bombed an ATM at a Madadeni mall last night.

Police responded and a gun battle ensued.

"During the shooting, it is alleged that three bystanders were shot and wounded. They were taken to hospital for treatment but one of them died due to the injuries she sustained," said police spokesperson Thulani Zwane.

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The suspects then fled the scene, with officers in pursuit.

"The police called other officers to assist them and while they were chasing the vehicle, it is alleged there was another shootout between the suspects and police. The suspects [again] fled the area," he said.

A source with knowledge of the investigation says police then cornered the suspects at a homestead in KwaMdakane, near Dannhauser in the early hours of this morning.

"That is where two of them ran into one of the homesteads. They allegedly shot at the members,  with the members returning fire and fatally wounding two suspects," said Zwane.

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A manhunt has been launched for the suspects who managed to escape.

Ammunition, cash and three firearms - including an AK47, R5 rifle and a pistol - have been recovered.

Cases of armed robbery, murder, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm have been opened for further investigation.

Meanwhile, two security guards were shot, one fatally, during a cash-in-transit robbery in Madadeni earlier this week.