According to an Elsburg SAPS spokesperson, Const Phooko, prior to the chase, the deceased and two or three accomplices broke into a house in Elspark, and stole electrical appliances.
“CPF members spotted the alleged thieves exiting the premises in a greyish Nissan sedan and gave chase,” she said.
The high-speed pursuit continued to Freeway Park, where the alleged thugs apparently got lost and drove into a cul-de-sac in the suburb, with the CPF members in pursuit.
“As they drove into the dead end, the suspects tried to escape through a small passage. They, however, got trapped again and then tried to drive through a palisade fence, resulting in their getaway vehicle becoming immobilised,” Phooko said.
The suspects jumped out of the car and tried to flee on foot, before the CPF allegedly opened fire on them, leaving one dead.
A second suspect was apprehended, while the others involved in the burglary fled on foot.
The 35-year-old arrested suspect was taken to the Elspark Police Station, where he was charged with both housebreaking and possession of suspected stolen goods.
The goods were recovered from the suspects’ vehicle.
Lieut Kwendzakwakhe Ngobese, of the Boksburg SAPS, initially mistakenly told this publication that a case of murder and burglary would be registered.
The Boksburg police then decided to register an inquest docket.
According to the Boksburg SAPS station commander, Biggs Govender, although murder is suspected, the inquest into the death of the alleged burglar will determine whether the gunman fired in self-defence or not.
“If found that the CPF member acted unlawfully, the case might be changed to murder, but that will be decided in court,’ said Govender.
According to a source, no firearm was recovered from the suspects, however, according to the CPF member who shot the deceased, the man was armed and he had fired in self-defence, after the suspect opened fire on them.
