One suspect was shot dead and two others arrested in Alexandra, Johannesburg after allegedly robbing a house in Helderkruin, Roodepoort on Saturday 18 January, according to a Sapa report.
When the three men robbed a house in Helderkruin, they stole and left with a car that was equipped with a tracker, said Captain Doniah Mothutsane, after which police officers were able to track the robbers to London Road in Alexandra. The men reportedly fled from the stolen car upon noticing the police.
The men, between the ages of 30 and 32, fled on foot towards East Park and police gave chase. Other police officers saw the situation and joined in the chase. Community members pointed out that one suspect was hiding in a house where police found him. A shoot-out ensued during which he was wounded fatally. The two other suspects were arrested shortly afterwards.
According to Mothutsane two laptops, a tablet, a BlackBerry device, a Sony camera, a Russell Hobbs coffee maker, cutlery, a handbag with items inside and a flat screen TV were found in the abandoned car. The police also recovered a 9mm pistol and a toy gun.
“An inquest docket has been opened and it will be handed to the IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate),” Mothutsane told eNCA on Saturday.
The two suspects are expected to appear in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court soon on charges of attempted murder, house robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The Roodepoort police could not give further comment.