Two suspects were arrested following a shoot-out between members of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) and an armed gang.
The incident took place along the N3 South/R24 split on Friday.
According to the Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, officers were conducting a routine crime prevention operation when they stopped the suspects’ vehicle to search it and issue a fine.
“The suspects sped off and the officers gave chase. A shoot-out ensued and the men were cornered in the undercover parking at Eastgate Shopping Centre,” he said.
Three of the men escaped while their two accomplices were arrested.
“Police also recovered three firearms as well as a bag of cellular phones. On-scene information suggested the men had robbed a cellular phone store in Brits, north of Pretoria, earlier that day,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.
The dog unit was called in to search for the remaining three suspects in the centre.
Two of the suspects were injured during the shoot-out.
The SUV driven by the gang was, according to Sgt Nhlabathi, hijacked in Yeoville.
The centre issued a statement assuring shoppers and tenants that their safety is a priority.
Operations manager, Mr Tshepo Monnamoroe, said the centre’s security teams will work with the SAPS and will assist in the investigations where necessary.
