Two suspects were killed, one injured and two others arrested after they attempted to rob Edenvale High School earlier today.
The suspects were armed with rifles and pistols.
Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubela said the robbery was foiled by police officers and security personnel who responded to the scene.
He said a shootout occurred between suspects and first responders at the Linksfield Road entrance of the school.
Makhubela said the arrested suspects will face charges of attempted business robbery, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Several firearms used by the suspects were recovered.
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said the department is saddened about today’s event.
Also read: BREAKING NEWS: Shots fired during robbery at Edenvale High School, one arrested – Live Updates
Lesufi said the suspects gained entry when an individual informed the school that he had arrived to pick up his child.
“When the school opened for the individual, five suspects rushed in,” said Lesufi.
After realising what was happening staff members notified a security company and SAPS, however, the suspects were already in the school’s reception.
Makhubela said during the shootout an unknown number of suspects fled in two vehicles.
As a result of the incident, Linksfield Road has been closed between First Avenue and Elm Street to allow for investigation.
Also read: UPDATE: Two suspects killed, two arrested during #EdenvaleHighSchool robbery – MULTIMEDIA
All traffic through the area will be diverted until approximately 10pm tonight.
Police urged community members who may know more information to contact their nearest police or 08600 10111.
This is just horrific, are our children not safe at school anymore? UPDATE: Two suspects killed, two arrested during #EdenvaleHighSchool robbery – MULTIMEDIA | Bedfordview Edenvale News https://t.co/fjnzkota3a #breakingnews
— Jacqui Bester (@onemessymama4) February 21, 2019
**UPDATE: Linksfield Road between ELM Street and First Avenue is CLOSED. It will remain CLOSED until at least 22h00.
Avoid the area. Nobody will be allowed through. Dunvegan residents need to enter from Boeing Road gate. #dunvegan #edenvale #linksfield @jhbtrafficza @jhbtraff— BlueHawkTactical (@Bluehawktactic1) February 21, 2019
A colleague’s daughter goes to this Edenvale school ???? I’m so stressed on her behalf. A whole shooting. Criminals though.???????? IT’S A SCHOOL MAN!!
— Bish’s Daughter (@Nazzy8) February 21, 2019