Update: 6.05 pm
It has emerged that the gridlocked N1 near Rivonia Road offramp was due to a police operation. In a statement, provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Mathapelo Peters, confirmed that three police officers who were suspected of being part of a foiled robbery had been arrested.
Peters said, “A joint intelligence-driven operation has led to the successful apprehension of eight suspects prior to the commission of the crime, following the foiled robbery of a cellphone store at the Fourways Mall in the north of Johannesburg.
“On 28 September 2017, security officers at the said mall spotted and apprehended one suspect. Members of the Gauteng Provincial Trio Task Team then followed the other suspects who were driving in three vehicles, a BMW, Hyundai and a Polo,” said Peters.
She said four suspects were arrested after the police stopped and searched their vehicles on the N1 and recovered unlicensed firearms.
Of the three police officers, Peters said, “Police are investigating the circumstances around the three’s proximity to the incident.”
“While the arrest of our own is a slap in the face of the Police Service, it is at the same time commendable that they were arrested by courageous officers who are committed to fighting crime, even if that means putting behind bars our own members,” said the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner in welcoming the arrest.
Zoé van Onselen, Head of Marketing for Fourways Mall said management is aware of the incident. “Our appointed security company, Fidelity Security, are currently cooperating with the police in an ongoing investigation of the attempted robbery within the mall, and subsequent events,” said van Onselen.
“Our shoppers’ safety is a top priority, and we continue to work together with the relevant police departments to ensure this,” she said.
Original report 1.45 pm:
Traffic in Fourways is heavily affected by a crime scene on the N1 near the Rivonia Road offramp.
https://twitter.com/TrafficSA/status/913342569265926144
Motorists have been advised to use alternative roads which has created congestion on roads around Fourways.
🚧HEADS UP🚧
Police incident N1 North at Rivonia I/C, expect delays. @EWNTraffic @Nicol3tt300 @IamAlexSweet @jour_maine #JHBTraffic pic.twitter.com/QJk3pAJtwf— Matty (@mattyEmedic) September 28, 2017
The details of the crime scene are unknown at this time but a community member who drove past the scene said she saw three suspects handcuffed.
Further information to follow as it comes to light.
