Three robbery suspects were fatally wounded and two others critically injured in a high-speed chase and shootout with law enforcement following a robbery at a store at Mall@Carnival on February 1.
According to Brakpan police, two security guards on duty at the mall were overpowered by a gang of nine robbers at around 04:30.
The guards were threatened at gunpoint and taken to the basement parking area.
Two of the robbers kept a watch over the guards while the others headed upstairs to break into one of the shops, stealing assorted goods to the value of R300 000.
Following the robbery, the police issued an alert for a silver Volkswagen Touareg and a blue BMW, allegedly used in the commission of the crime.
One vehicle was located on the R21 near Thembisa and an operational plan was executed to stop the vehicle.
The multi-disciplinary law enforcement team comprised the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Tactical Operations Management Section, Gauteng traffic saturation unit, Ekurhuleni district trio tracing, Tracker Connect, Vision Tactical and Bad Boyz Security.
The suspects attempted to evade the police. A high-speed chase ensued, with the suspects opening fire on the law enforcers. Police returned fire and the suspects’ vehicle collided with a barrier.
Three suspects were fatally wounded and the other two were transported to the hospital in critical condition.
Three unlicensed firearms, ammunition and cargo were recovered in the Touareg. The vehicle was reported stolen in January. One of the firearms was also reported as stolen.
The second vehicle was located en route to Mamelodi where the Tshwane K9 Unit detained four suspects.
The members took the suspects to their residence where more goods were found, including a BMW 1 series, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta.
These suspects will soon appear in court on charges of attempted murder, possession of suspected stolen property, armed robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
