Rapid gunfire aback North Ruimveldt last night left a number of theories afloat as to what transpired between supposed gunmen and the police in the area.
Police sources late last night could not confirm whether anyone was injured during the shoot-out but noted that there were reports that suspicious elements were seen in the community and may have fled to the back of the community which is separated by the infamous `Blacka’ canal from the canefields.
The street which residents referred to as Christiani Street, became still moments after gunshots rang out, sending those who were standing at street corners scampering for safety while many ensured that their gates and doors were closed.
When this newspaper arrived on the scene just after 8 pm, armed police ranks were standing yards away from where it is suspected that gunmen fled into the backlands and a police pick-up was parked some distance away blocking curious onlookers as well as the media from venturing further.
At that time there was a complete halt to gunfire, but policemen were seen constantly on their cell phones. Around 40 minutes later a pick–up full with both police and soldiers in full battle gear arrived and following consultations with those ranks already present, proceeded into the area.
Minutes later reflections of flashlights could be seen and sounds of barking emanating from the distance. Another police car arrived and within minutes reversed into the area but with the lights dipped and then eventually off.
Only shadows of police and soldiers were seen approaching the vehicle. An officer was observed opening the trunk of the car, but it was not clear whether anything was placed in the vehicle’s trunk.
A young man who said he was sitting at one of the adjoining corners with friends said he heard the loud sounds coming from the direction of the `Blacka’ but mistook the sounds for a blown transformer.
“I hear the thing but I ain’t take it for nothing because I say is a transformer but then I hear the thing continue and we start heading towards there but then we see police and we turn back and we went and sit down on a landing and we just watch. We hear like the shooting ease up but then it start back and was different sounds, so it sound like somebody been shooting back at the police,” he recounted.
There were rumours that five men had ventured into the dark and desolate area and were minutes after trailed by heavily armed policemen. However no one could confirm this last night as residents came to grips with what they termed ‘multiple gunshots’.
One woman recounted that she had just opened her back door when she heard the rapid gunfire and immediately closed the door and lay flat on her kitchen floor.
She was unable to say approximately how many shots she heard, but noted that it was a fairly large amount. Residents who were on the streets last night watching the police carry out their search following the shooting were unable to come to a consensus as to how long the shooting may have gone on for.
Some were convinced that they heard the gunfire for as long as half hour while other argued among themselves that the shooting had eased at one point and then started back, giving the impression that there was a trading of bullets. However many were unsure about what really transpired but recounted that all they heard were many gunshots.
Residents in neighbouring communities also heard the impact of the gunshots.
