According to Sergeant Desmond Subramoney, Johannesburg Flying Squad officers, Constable Mamabolo and Constable Mokgotho, were conducting a routine patrol just before 11am today, 19 July, when they noticed a suspicious blue Toyota Fortuner with four occupants inside the vehicle.
The officers attempted to stop the vehicle but the vehicle sped away and began to drive recklessly in the chase that ensued. One suspect jumped out of the vehicle at George Lea Park and attempted to flee while carrying a black bag.
Constable Mogkothi fired several shots to stop the suspect from getting away. The suspect was apprehended and inside the bag were three 9mm pistols without any serial numbers. Another two suspects were arrested inside the Toyota Fortuner with one unlicensed 9mm Glock pistol. Subramoney added that one suspect is still at large.
The suspects were arrested for being in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as per a case opened at the Sandton Police Station. The suspects, aged between 28 and 38, will be facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and will be appearing in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court soon.
Earlier
Witness speaks out about shootout on #SandtonDrive
Reports have surfaced of a shootout between police and suspects on Sandton Drive today at around 11.30am.
UPDATE: 2pm
It appears that the initial incident (which still cannot be identified) happened in Parkmore.
Reports lead to the assumption that there was a police chase with shots fired on Sandton Drive, the blue Toyota Fortuner which was allegedly involved in the incident is stationed on Balmoral Avenue in Hurlingham.
An eyewitness tells their story:
An eyewitness who saw the police chase said that she had been sitting at a traffic light at Marie Avenue when she saw a blue car driving in the opposite lane into the middle of the intersection. The car then stopped and a man got out and ran away. According to the witness he was carrying a rifle and fired shots at the police officers who had been chasing him. Police officers also stopped at the intersection and continued to chase the man on foot.
UPDATE: 12.46pm
Captain Kay Makhubela, the provincial police spokesperson confirmed the incident.
He said police chased a Toyota Fortuner with four occupants. One suspect exited the vehicle and fired shots at police.
A total of four firearms were recovered and three suspects arrested. The suspects will be charged with possession of unlicensed firearms. No one was injured during the shootout.
It is alleged that one vehicle was stolen in Parkmore.
Sandton Chronicle journalist on scene explains that traffic is following but there are some delays due to onlookers.
It is unclear at this time how many shots were fired but that suspects have been arrested and taken away from the active crime scene.
SHOOTOUT & CHASE : SANDTON DR. CNR. WILLIAM NICOL. PARKMORE. JHB. GP. 1 PERP ARRESTED & 4 FIREARMS SEIZED.
— REZA (@crimeairnetwork) July 19, 2018
This is a developing story and information will be updated as received.
