Mershing — Four pro-government militia suspected of raping three women in Manaushi locality, South Darfur, were caught in crossfire with the police and armed forces after attempting to hide at a market in Mershing on Sunday afternoon.

Onlookers told Radio Dabanga that the police, army and some civilians surrounded the suspects at the market "from different directions and opened fire on them."

The suspects, wearing military uniforms, opened fire back and several frightened residents fled the scene, leaving their shops unattended.

Armed herders, who were present at the market during the shootout, "took advantage of the chaos" and looted shops and homes, sources recounted.

A witness said government forces managed to arrest the four suspects and took them back to Manaushi.