Katlehong SAPS arrested one suspect for being in possession of a stolen firearm while his two accomplices fled, following a shootout at Pick n Pay Sontonga Road, Ramokonopi West, on July 13.
According to Constable Sivenkosi Mtwa of Katlehong South SAPS, the crime prevention members intercepted a possible business robbery.
Mtwa said police received information about unknown suspicious African males milling around local Pick n Pay in Sontonga Road.
He said crime prevention members responded swiftly and spotted the suspicious suspects, fitting the description they were given. They approached the suspects and upon seeing the police the suspects then split in different directions.
“One of the suspects started shooting in the direction of the police before police returned fire,” he continued.
“During the exchange of fire one suspect sustained gun wounds on his lower body and was taken to hospital under police guard. The other two suspects managed to flee,” he said.
Mtwa said the injured suspect was in his possession of a Norinco 9mm pistol and 10 live rounds of ammunition. The firearm was reported to be stolen in Vereeniging, he added.
“All role players were summoned to the scene where police registered a case of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
“Police will leave no stone unturned as they continue searching for the other two suspects. The firearm confiscated will be sent to ballistic to establish if it was used in the commission of crimes in other areas,” said Mtwa.
Katlehong acting station commander Colonel Pieter Erasmus applauded the crime prevention members for working together to prevent crime.
He also thanked the community for being vigilant in their respective areas.
