Police comment on fatal shooting of four armed suspects

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Friday morning policemen on routine patrol came under fire from brazen gunmen when they flagged down a silver Mercedes Benz along the N12, near the Luthuli Informal Settlement.

Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said during peak hour traffic on the N12 at the Putfontein off-ramp, the Flying Squad members ordered the driver to stop, but the occupants responded by opening fire on the members of the SAPS which resulted in a shootout.

One of the SAPS members sustained injuries when he was shot in the leg by the suspects. The police responded to ward off the attack and in the process all four armed suspects in the Mercedes Benz were fatally wounded.

Police recovered three rifles and ammunition. Explosives were also found in the boot of the Mercedes Benz.

The vehicle had been reported as hijacked in the Yeoville area in April this year.

“The SAPS will continue to ensure visibility on the streets of our country and confront, within the confines of our laws, all those whose aim is to make life difficult for our people to do their day to day business without any fear,” said acting national police commissioner, Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane.

“The response by our members this morning must be commended by all of us in that they sent a strong message to all criminals that crime and criminality cannot be tolerated.

“Those making themselves guilty of the commission of crime and, in particular, the onslaught on our people by brazen criminals wielding firearms in the streets of our country, will receive no mercy from the South African Police Service.”

Phahlane also wished the injured policemen “a speedy recovery”.

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