VIDEO: Dramatic shootout between police and robbers in Westcliff

A dramatic shootout between police, robbers and security guards took place in Westcliff on 21 October.

Parkview police and guards of the 24/7 security company who patrol the Westcliff residential area, were called to the scene of a house robbery in Valley Road.

According to Geoff Schapiro, general manager of the company, the perpetrators shot between 60 to 80 rounds at the security guards who were the first to arrive on the scene. He emphasised that such an extreme rate of gunfire was unusual for house robberies in the area. Shapiro further noted that there were six members in the gang who were engaged in the gun battle while making their way to the getaway vehicle.

The perpetrators also reversed into one of the security vehicles and then drove off towards Jan Smuts Avenue.

Parkview police reported that when two officers arrived on the scene they saw four men shooting at a security vehicle outside the property.

“I can’t confirm the exact numbers but there were about five or six [suspects],” said police spokesperson Sergeant Lloyd Ramovha.

The suspects drove away in a white Mercedes Benz which was later recovered in Parktown. The gang left behind two unlicensed firearms and two sets of false number plates. After further investigation, police discovered the Mercedes Benz had been reported stolen during another house robbery in the Dunkeld area.

Cases of attempted murder, house robbery and car hijacking have been opened and are being investigated.

None of the police officers or security guards were injured during the incident.

No arrests have been made and police urge members of the public who have information to contact them.

Andre Snyman has encouraged all eblockwatch members to be vigilant when it comes to crime to prevent themselves from becoming victims.

Details: Parkview Police 011 486 5000.

You might also be interested in: Woman attacked by armed robbers in Killarney complex (Video) and Woman finds stolen phone using tracking app