The suspect was fatally wounded during a shootout with police in Springs on Friday 09 July 2021 while the second suspect was arrested and two unlicensed firearms recovered.
Police have been working on information about suspects that are responsible for a series of hijackings in the roads linking Gauteng and Mpumalanga Provinces, using blue lights.
According to police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo a team comprising of Gauteng Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes, Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation, Tactical Response Team Tshwane, Tracker Connect, Fidelity Specialised Services, Badboyz Security, Vision Tactical and Community Active Protection (CAP) was activated to search and arrest the suspects.
“The team continuously monitored and kept observation on the R42, R50, R25 and N12 around Bapsfontein, Delmas and Bronkhorstpruit until they spotted suspects traveling towards Johannesburg with a possible hijacked vehicle.”
The team intercepted the suspects who started to shoot at the law enforcers and shootout ensued. One suspect was fatally shot while the second suspect was arrested. It was established that the suspects had just hijacked a motorist who was driving a Toyota Hilux on the R42.”
Further investigation revealed that the two cars used by the suspects, a Toyota Fortuner and double cab Toyota Hilux were reported stolen.
Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner of the police Major General Tommy Mthombeni applauded the team that worked with zeal and diligence to ensure that the gang using blue lights to hijack vehicles are hunted down and arrested.
