Armed robbery: One suspect killed, another wounded

One suspect has been killed and another wounded following an armed robbery in Kempton Park on Saturday morning.

It is understood that Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMDP) officers spotted a white VW Polo with rear number plates removed, driving recklessly along Voortrekker Road.

Kempton Park robbery

EMPD spokesperson Kelebogile Thepa said the officers pursued the vehicle in a high-speed chase.

“Whilst chasing the vehicle well into the CBD, the suspects pointed at the metro vehicle with firearms. The suspect’s vehicle lost control and came to a halt on the corner Spitfire and Catalina road, Rhodesfield.

“It was halted by a pole next to a vehicle dealership.”

Shootout

The EMPD officers retaliated, stopping the three suspects in their tracks and fatally wounding one suspect.

The fourth suspect was in a serious condition and taken to hospital under police guard, while the others were arrested at the scene, Thepa said.

Thepa added that two firearms were recovered: “Further investigation will reveal whether the firearms have been used in the commission of other offences.

“While on the scene a complainant emerged, alleging she was robbed of her cellphone by the same suspects earlier,” Thepa added.

Charges

“Two cellphones were recovered in the possession of the suspects, one identified as that belonging to the woman.

“A case of armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms, reckless and negligent driving will be registered at the Kempton Park Saps,” she said.

Thepa said there is a possibility of more charges being added as the investigations continue.

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Suspects nabbed with illicit cigarettes

Meanwhile, police arrested three suspects in two separate incidents in Polokwane and the North West, recovering R7.8 million worth of illegal cigarettes.

In Polokwane, police arrested two foreign nationals, aged 31 and 32, for possession of R500 000 worth of illicit cigarettes and for contravening the Immigration Act.

Earlier in the week, the North West Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit arrested a 49-year-old man for allegedly smuggling illicit cigarettes worth over R7.3 million.

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