The Acting National Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Sindile Mfazi, has expressed his dismay at the killing of one of our own in blue in a shoot-out with armed CIT robbery suspects earlier today.
While forensic investigations at the crime scenes continue, it has been reported that six suspects have been arrested, two of whom were wounded in the shoot-out.
Today, at about 1pm in Hillbrow, a number of unknown suspects attacked and fired shots at a parked CIT vehicle and fled the scene in vehicles with an undisclosed amount of money.
As a result of the attack and the shooting, two security guards and two bystanders were wounded.
The Johannesburg Flying Squad, SAPS Hillbrow Cluster members and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department responded and pursued the getaway vehicles.
The suspects started firing shots at the police and they responded.
During the shoot-out, a member of the South African Police Service was fatally wounded.
As investigations continue, police have so far recovered seven firearms, including rifles and pistols. Three motor vehicles have also been seized.
The Acting National Commissioner has commended the bravery of the police officers who responded to the scene and on the same note expressed his shock at the killing of a police officer.
“Our members are fearless, they did not think twice before they confronted those brazen criminals. One of our own laid down his life to ensure the safety and security of the inhabitants of this country. With the Police’s 72 Hour Reaction Plan activated, specialised dedicated teams are currently combing the scenes and have already made arrests and seized exhibits,” said Lt Gen Mfazi.
REPORTED EARLIER
In a report issued by Joburg East SAPS Cluster, it was confirmed that a police officer was shot and killed this afternoon at about 1pm.
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“Fidelity Security guards were collecting cash from a Superbet at the corner of Quartz and Pretoria streets and as they were leaving, two suspects started shooting at the guards.
“One guard was injured and another assaulted. Both were taken to Milpark. Two civilians, a man and a woman, were also shot an injured. The woman was shot in the hand and the man in the leg. They were transported to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital.
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“The suspects took a bag and fled the scene. A look-out for the suspects’ vehicles was issued to all police and officers in a marked police vehicle spotted both cars. The suspects fired shots at the police and the one officer was shot in the neck. He died at the corner of Joe Slove and Abel streets in Hillbrow. Some suspects were arrested. More information will be follow.”
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