NELSPRUIT – Five suspects exchanged gunfire with the police yesterday around Mkheyi in Pienaar outside Nelspruit at about 20:30.
This comes after the police in conjunction with Matrix vehicle tracking and private security companies, tracked down a white stolen Ford Ranger. The law enforcers gave chase and a shootout ensued between them leaving one suspect shot dead.
“During the chase, the suspects’ vehicle lost control and crashed into a wall leaving the suspects injured. They were then arrested and taken to hospital under police guard. A firearm together with ammunition were seized at the scene which will be sent to ballistics for further investigation,” said the police.
It was discovered that the vehicle was linked to a number of cases which were committed in and around Nelspruit including a recent business robbery which occurred in the early hours of yesterday at a filling station in Rocky’s Drift near White River. The suspects held the staff at gunpoint and demanded keys to the safe. They then escaped with packs of cigarettes leaving a bag full of explosives.
“The four remaining suspects face charges of carjacking, business robbery, possession of a suspected stolen property, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as other charges. As soon as the suspects are declared fit, they will appear in court,” added the police.