ICYMI: One suspect arrested following shoot-out in Fourways
FOURWAYS – The suspect was charged with attempted murder and is expected to appear in court soon.
A suspect has been arrested following a shoot-out with security guards in a Fourways office park in the early hours of 2 June.
A statement released by Fourways Mall said that the mall’s security team halted the attempted robbery at the business park, which neighbours the mall.
Provincial police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo said, “The security guards noticed a suspicious Toyota Corolla with four occupants near the office park. It is alleged that, as the security guards were approaching, the suspects began shooting at the guards.”
The statement from Fourways Mall added that the security officers called for back-up and an armed response team (from Fidelity Services Group) arrived on the scene. The suspects then attempted to flee and opened fire on the mall’s security team along William Nicol Drive.
Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group said that one bullet hit the bonnet of a Fidelity vehicle when the suspects opened fire, however, no injuries were sustained by the officers who fired back at the fleeing suspects.
Bartmann added that the officers managed to wound at least one of the suspects causing the vehicle to drive over an island on William Nicol Drive. When the vehicle stopped, three suspects jumped out of the car and ran in different directions. The Fidelity officers were able to apprehend the wounded suspect who attempted to flee.
Andri Pienaar, the asset manager at the mall said, “We will continue to support the local SAPS team in their investigation while providing a safe environment for shoppers, tenants, and employees at Fourways Mall.”
Bartmann concluded, “We are definitely starting to see an increase in crime levels during Level 3 [of lockdown] and would like to remind all residents and business owners to remain vigilant. Crime levels dropped substantially during the initial weeks of lockdown but we have started to see a steady rise as the economy opens up again and people become more mobile.”
The arrested suspect was charged with attempted murder and is expected to appear in court soon.
Details: Provincial police head office 011 274 7300.
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