The suspects were arrested late on Tuesday. Picture: iStock
Gauteng police have arrested nine suspects and seized three firearms and a vehicle linked to other crimes during a foiled kidnapping attempt in Ivory Park, north of Johannesburg.
The arrests reportedly took place late on Tuesday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk said one suspect, recently released from prison, was fatally wounded in a shootout with police after attempting to evade arrest.
Van Wyk said the operation was carried out by the SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Crime Intelligence and various partners. It targeted a syndicate planning to kidnap a businessman from Benoni.
“The syndicate was successfully intercepted where one suspect attempted to evade arrest. He fired gun shots at the members, who retaliated and fatally wounded the suspect; nine more suspects were ultimately apprehended.
“Further investigation revealed that the three seized firearms and the suspects’ vehicle are positively linked to other criminal cases. The deceased suspect had recently been released from prison,” Van Wyk said.
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In a separate case, police arrested four men who were found in possession of high-calibre weapons en-route to commit a robbery.
The arrests were made on Tuesday after police intercepted the suspects at the Gosforth Toll Gate on the N17.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said a multidisciplinary law enforcement team acted on information about a group of men planning a robbery in Johannesburg.
“Two suspected vehicles were followed from Wadeville until Gosforth Tall Gate, where they were stopped and searched.
“Three rifles with magazines and ammunition were recovered. Further investigations revealed that one of the vehicles, a Lexus, was fitted with false registration number plates and was stolen. Both vehicles used by the suspects were also seized,” Nevhuhulwi said.
Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana welcomed the arrests.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before court soon on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
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