This afternoon’s shooting at OR Tambo International Airport came after the SAPS and the airport’s joint security forces responded to an armed robbery in progress at the cargo section of the airport.
Also read: Two shot and killed in alleged airport robbery (Video)
Colonel Brenda Muridili confirmed the shootout between law enforcement and the suspects which resulted in seven arrests, two fatalities and the recovery of stolen cargo and five firearms.
Shooting at OR Tambo International Airport pic.twitter.com/ScvoefbSPI
— Mlambo (@Lwadz_G) July 18, 2020
She said at about 12:30pm a group of suspects entered the cargo section and held the staff at gunpoint at one of the warehouses.
“The manager of the warehouse noticed employees lying on the floor and immediately notified the police and airport security. On arrival at the scene, the police and airport security chased the suspects’ truck and bakkie which had just left the warehouse,” Muridili told the EXPRESS.
Also read: Sebenza SAPS identifies crime hot spots
“A high speed chase and shootout resulted. Subsequently, seven suspects were arrested, four of them with gunshot wounds while two more suspects were shot and killed. A civilian in the vicinity sustained a gunshot wound apparently by a stray bullet.”
Muridili said the police, when searching the suspects’ truck, recovered the stolen personal protective equipment (masks) as well as three crates containing cellphones.
The arrested suspects will be appearing at the Kempton Park Magistrates Court soon, facing charges of armed robbery.
Ambulances still treating the injured following an armed robbery at the OR Tambo Airport #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/EhrWwIhxRi
— angela bolowana (@angybee) July 18, 2020
