Pretoria – Three suspects were fatally wounded and two others critically injured in a high-speed chase and shootout with a multidisciplinary law enforcement team when following up on information about suspects who were allegedly involved in shopping mall robberies, courier robberies, and other serious violent crimes.
The multidisciplinary law enforcement team comprised of the DPCI Tactical Operations Management Section, Gauteng Traffic Saturation Unit, Ekurhuleni District trio tracing, Tracker Connect, Vision Tactical, and Bad Boyz Security.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, the suspects had allegedly just committed a shopping mall robbery near Carnival City where they overpowered security guards.
“A lookout was given for a Silver VW Toureg and a blue BMW allegedly involved in the robbery.
“The vehicle was picked up on the R21 Highway northbound. An operational plan was executed in an attempt to stop the suspects’ vehicle. The suspects tried to evade police and a high speed chase ensued,” Mogale said in a statement.
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The suspects reportedly opened fire on members after police picked up their vehicles. Polce returned fire bringing the suspects’ vehicle to a halt after colliding into a barrier.
“Three suspects in the vehicle were fatally wounded and the other two were taken to hospital in a critical condition for medical attention,” Mogale added.
Three unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and cargo were recovered in the Toureg.
A preliminary investigation established that the owner of VW SUV reported in January that it had been stolen while one of the firearms was reported as stolen.
“The second vehicle was picked enroute to Mamelodi by the Tshwane K9 unit. Four suspects were detained. The members took the suspects to their residence where more stock was found. Three vehicles, BMW 1series, a Toyota Corolla and a VW Jetta were also seized on the scene,” Mogale said.
The suspects will appear in court for attempted murder, possession of suspected stolen property, armed robbery, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
