Five arrested after shootout between assailants in Alberton
More shots were exchanged in the pursuit, with two of the gunmen carrying AK 47s trying to hide in the long grass.
A shootout between assailants occurred at Leopards Rest Estate on March 6, resulting in five suspects being arrested at two locations in Alberton.
Residents reported the shooting to CPS Security, and the reaction officer found occupants of a Mercedes Benz and a Toyota Corolla shooting at each other.
Upon CPS Security intervening, the three assailants in the Mercedes began shooting at him.
Two shooters fled from the scene on foot, leaving the Toyota on the scene while the occupants in the Mercedes drove away towards the R59 highway.
“A high-speed chase ensued,” said Tyrone van der Merwe, sales director of CPS Security.
“On the R59 the suspects shot at one of the CPS Security’s vehicles and in the chaos a private truck swerved and collided with the security vehicle, causing the security vehicle to roll.”
On the Nelson Mandela off-ramp, CPS Security members waited in an attempt to stop the suspects in the Mercedes.
“As the assailants noticed the officers on the R59 above the bridge, they stopped, jumped out of the vehicle, and ran down the embankment towards Nelson Mandela Avenue. Security forces pursued on foot,” said Warrant Officer Gerhard Cornelius from Brackendowns SAPS.
“More shots were exchanged in the pursuit, with two of the gunmen carrying AK 47s trying to hide in the long grass. The security members caught them immediately,” said Cornelius.
Two AK47 rifles and live ammunition were recovered after the men were arrested.
“On the scene, both the vehicles in question were tested, and it was found that the Mercedes is sought on a Bramley case and the Toyota was also positive on a Langlaagte case,” Cornelius said.
Two of the three assailants were arrested for firearm possession, ammunition possession, attempted murder, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Brackendowns SAPS arrested the three occupants of the Toyota Corolla at Leopard’s Rest for possessing a stolen vehicle.
“The firearms, ammunition and both vehicles were confiscated and handed in at Brackendowns SAPS as evidence and all five of the suspects were detained, awaiting court dates,” Cornelius said.
Van der Merwe thanked Glenvista CPF, JHB K9, Fox Security, Brackendowns CPF, Alberton SAPS, the Flying Squad and Brackendowns SAPS for their assistance.
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