Update, 4pm, 19 February
A shootout between a security company and home invaders in the Parkhurst area unfolded on 15th Street last Friday night, 16 February.
“One of our cars were responding to an alarm in the area and as they were driving up the road on 15th street, they saw garage doors open and slowed down to check it out,” said Mark Notelovitz, managing director of Cortac Security.
According to Parkview Police spokesperson, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, Constable Padima Makhudu, along with other officers, searched the area and three suspects were found with gunshot wounds. They were immediately arrested on charges of house robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms. The suspects were also taken to hospital for treatment and the investigation is continuing.
The three suspects are under police guard at the hospital and they will appear at Johannesburg Magistrate court soon.
The station commander of Parkview Police Station, Colonel Theledi Gopane, would like to thank the security companies operating and the police for the swift response and working together with the police in the fight against crime.
Update, 12.45pm, 17 February
Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini has confirmed that a couple, returning home last night at 8.45pm on 15th Street, was approached by armed suspects as the victims attempted to gain entry to their home. Two armed men approached the woman’s passenger window and, while pointing a firearm, instructed her to open her door.
The suspects then demanded the victim’s jewellery, handbag and cellphone to be handed over. One suspect then forcefully removed the victim’s jewellery from her hands.
The suspects then instructed the woman to get out of the car and move into the house, wherein they demanded her to show them the safe and open it. The suspects then stole more jewellery, documents and gold pens, while another suspect disconnected the victim’s television.
It was at this point that the victim managed to press a panic button and set off the house alarm.
The suspects began running while the victim hid in her garden. She then heard gunshots.
Several cartridges of a rifle and bullet holes were found in the walls of their home, as well as the victim’s car, and the vehicle of security officers who responded to the scene.
The suspects fled and were wounded by CORTAC security in the process. Security officers found the first suspect hiding next to a nearby church, with a gunshot wound to his left hand. He was found in possession of a firearm, 10 rounds of ammunition, a cellphone and two wrist watches stolen from the scene.
Update, 7.30am, 17 February
According to CORTAC, there were a total of three suspects in last night’s shooting, 16 February. All three suspects have been apprehended. Parkview Police are yet to confirm this information.
Update, 11.40pm
According to CORTAC, their Canine and Tactical Unit tracked the blood trail, two firearms and one wounded suspect this evening, 16 February.
The Rosebank Killarney Gazette has contacted Parkview Police, however, further comment is unavailable at this time.
Earlier, 10.28pm
There has been a shootout between a security company and home invaders in the Parkhurst area on 15th Street this evening, 16 February.
“One of our cars were responding to an alarm in the area and as they were driving up the road on 15th street, they saw garage doors open and slowed down to check it out,” said Mark Notelovitz, managing director of Cortac Security.
“The suspects then appeared and opened fire. The security officers then returned fire. The suspects ran away.”
Currently, the search for the suspects is being headed by the South African Police Service and security companies.
The number of suspects is unknown.
Reports via social media have indicated that a security officer was injured during the incident. Notelovitz confirmed that the officer sustained a cut on his hand.
Sounded like a war zone in Parkhurst this evening. At least 20 shots fired. Crime scene in 15th avenue. Lots of emergency vehicles – stay clear
— Angelo Coppola (@AngeloCoppolaSA) February 16, 2018
