A man was found dead Monday afternoon inside a hijacked car after a high-speed chase from Mayfair ended when the suspects crashed into an electricity pole and engaged in a shootout with the police.
At least two suspects managed to get away on foot in the ensuing mayhem.
Narrating events leading to the fatal shooting, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said a multidisciplinary team of police officers – acting on a tip-off – were on the lookout for the suspected hijackers.
“The team managed to spot the suspects’ vehicle, an Audi A5, with three occupants, in Mayfair at approximately 2 pm,” said Lieutenant Colonel Masondo.
“As the team was stopping the suspects, they sped off and started shooting at members and a shootout ensued.
“Two suspects jumped out of the moving vehicle and fled on foot. Police continued to chase the suspects’ vehicle until it crashed into an electric pole in Johannesburg CBD.
“One suspect, with gunshot wounds, was found inside the vehicle and he was later certified dead by the paramedics.”
Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was fitted with false registration plates and it was reportedly hijacked in Kempton Park in May this year.
“An unlicensed firearm and ammunition were found inside the suspects’ vehicle,” said Lieutenant Colonel Masondo.
“None of the members of law enforcement agencies or the public were injured.”
Police are searching for suspects that escaped.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, applauded the multidisciplinary team consisting SAPS Crime Intelligence, Gauteng Highway Patrol Unit, Gauteng Traffic Saturation Unit, Tracker Connect, BadBoyz Security, and Vision Tactical.
