Three suspects killed in shootout with Ekurhuleni police
The suspects will soon appear in court for attempted murder, possession of suspected stolen property, armed robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Three suspects died and two were seriously injured after a high-speed chase and shootout with police officers on the R21 last week.
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Four others were arrested.
On February 1, a multifunctional law enforcement team comprising the Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Tactical Operations Management Section engaged in a high-speed chase and gun battle with suspects.
According to the Gauteng SAPS spokesperson, Captain Mavela Masondo, officers from the Gauteng Traffic Saturation Unit, Ekurhuleni District Trio Tracing Team, Tracker Connect, Vision Tactical and Bad Boyz Security followed up on information received about suspects allegedly involved in a shopping mall and courier robberies and other violent crimes.
“The suspects allegedly robbed shops at a shopping mall near Carnival City by overpowering the security guards.
The police issued an alert for a silver VW Toureg and a blue BMW allegedly involved in the robbery.
“The vehicle was spotted on the R21 highway heading north toward Pretoria.”
Masondo said an operational plan was executed to stop the suspects’ vehicle.
“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.
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Three suspects were fatally wounded and the other two were transported to the hospital in critical condition.
“Three unlicensed firearms, ammunition and other items were recovered from the vehicle.
“A preliminary investigation established that the VW SUV was reported hijacked last month on a Brooklyn SAPS case.”
One of the firearms was stolen in Isipingo.
“The second vehicle was located en route to Mamelodi where the Tshwane K9 unit detained four suspects.
“The officers took those arrested to their residence where more stolen items were found.”
Masondo said three vehicles, including a BMW One series and a Toyota Corolla, were seized on the scene.
“The 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,” said Masondo.
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