Parktown – A violent shootout between law enforcement officers and a group of suspects linked to multiple church robberies led to the death of one suspect and the arrest of five others in Westdene, Sophiatown, on Monday.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the law enforcement team, which included various specialised units, had been tipped off about a gang responsible for robbing places of worship across Gauteng.
The police action followed intelligence that the suspects were planning another robbery at a church in Florida.
#sapsGP Collaboration between law enforcement agencies leads to arrest of criminals who target places of worship.
One suspect was fatally wounded and five others arrested following a shootout between the suspects and a team of law enforcement officers in Westdene, Sophiatown,… pic.twitter.com/up0do1oIdN
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 24, 2025
“As they were on a lookout, the team spotted a Toyota Quantum that was said to be used by the suspects driving in Sophiatown. The suspects sped off as they were stopped by the police. A chase ensued. During the chase, the suspects started shooting at the law enforcement officers and a shootout ensued. The suspects’ car crashed into a fence,” Masondo said.
Five suspects were arrested, and one was fatally wounded in the shootout. Two others sustained injuries and are currently under police guard in hospital.
In the aftermath, authorities recovered three unlicensed firearms, along with ammunition. A music system valued at over R2 million, stolen from a church in Florida, was also found in the vehicle.
The suspects, who will be profiled, face charges of armed robbery, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms. The firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they were used in other criminal activities.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
