Three suspects are expected to appear in Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court soon on charges of attempted murder, possession of a hijacked motor vehicle and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
On 28 October, the suspects were shot and arrested in Hunter Street in Bertrams by Jeppe police officers and officials from Metro police.
According to the spokesperson for Jeppe Police Station, Warrant Officer Richard Munyai, the suspects were followed by a tracker company investigating the hijacking of an Opel Corsa on 13 October on the corner of Terrace and Viljoen streets in Bertrams.
“The hijacking took place while the victim was sitting inside the car with his girlfriend at about 7.30pm. They were approached by two men armed with firearms. The armed men searched the victims and took three cellphones and cash before they drove off with the vehicle. A case of car hijacking was opened at Jeppe police,” said Munyai.
The tracker company traced the car while it was travelling along Hunter street and called for back-up. Jeppe police and Metro police officers went to assist. “When they saw the car, the suspects allegedly started to shoot at the police. The police returned fire and the suspects ran through some bushes into the next street. They allegedly left one firearm inside the car and dropped another one in the bushes while running,” said Munyai.
Three suspects were apprehended by members othe tracker company. Two of the suspects were shot – one in the lower abdomen and the other in the left leg below the knee. The third one was not shot but injured his knees while jumping a fence. No police officer was injured during the shooting.
Two firearms, one believed to belong to Fidelity Guard security company, eight live rounds and 11 spent cartridges were found at the scene.
“During the preliminary investigations, it was found that one of the suspects was released from prison two months ago while he was serving his sentence for an attempted murder and armed robbery he committed in 2012 in Jeppestown. The other two suspects are out on bail for possession of unlicensed firearms and a vehicle that was stolen,” said Munyai.
The two injured suspects were taken to hospital while the third one was detained at Jeppe Police Station. The investigation is continuing and suspects aged 26, 36 and 40 will appear in court soon.
Details Jeppe Police Station 011 624 6066.
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