Suspects nabbed for attempted murder, business robbery and possession of illegal firearms

Ten (10) male suspects were arrested by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) IIOC Undercover Reaction Unit together with the SAPS Crime Intelligence for attempted murder, conspiracy to commit a business robbery, impersonating Department of Labour officials, contravention of the immigration act, fraud and possession of illegal firearms in Eikenhof, south of Johannesburg.

The officers had received information regarding a syndicate intending to commit a business robbery at Golden Fry Factory in Eikenhof, which produces cooking oil.

According to reports received, the group would be travelling in four (4) vehicles which consisted of two Volkswagen Polos, a white Ford Ranger and a white Toyota Quantum, and they will be allegedly armed.

On Friday, 27 January 2023, the operational team proceeded to the said location where they were strategically placed.

Whilst monitoring, the officers spotted two (2) white Volkswagen Polos fitted with Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Department of Labour branding on the doors, one of the Volkswagen Polos had a Gauteng Province Government number plate affixed to it. They also spotted a black BMW 1 series and a blue Toyota Corolla.

The team noticed the vehicles approaching the factory as they kept watching. A shootout broke out as the officers strategically approached and intercepted the suspects. The shootout did not result in any injuries to the suspects or members of the operations team.

The suspects were found to have four (4) firearms with serial numbers filed off in their possession. Additionally, reflector jackets and cards from the Department of Labour were discovered on the suspects.

The suspects were detained at Mondeor SAPS on multiple charges and they are due to appear in court soon.