Johannesburg – Police have arrested four suspected burglars – aged between 44 and 49 – after a shootout in Cyrildene, where they recovered a stolen car and guns.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the suspects were believed to be behind a spate of robberies in the province.
Narrating events leading to the shootout and arrests, Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said the Johannesburg Flying Squad received a “lookout” for a silver Renault Clio with males suspected to be involved in house robberies in Gauteng.
On Wednesday, (21 February 2024), the police spotted the vehicle driving in Cyrildene and activated their blue lights and siren.
Instead of stopping, the suspects accelerated and started shooting at the police, said Lieutenant Colonel Masondo.
“The police returned fire, and the suspects’ vehicle collided with two vehicles that belong to members of the community,” said the police spokesperson.
“During the shootout, two of the suspects were shot while the other two were cornered and arrested.
“In their possession, police found three reported stolen firearms, ammunition, reported stolen motor vehicle, and housebreaking implements.
“Two of the suspects sustained injuries during the shootout with the police and they were taken to the hospital where they are under police guard while two were detained without injuries.”
Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle driven by the suspects and the firearms were taken from the rightful owners during robberies around Gauteng.
The arrested suspects were expected to appear before Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court soon.
They will face charges of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
