Johannesburg – Police have shot dead four would-be armed suspects after a high-speed chase and shootout along the R59 in Alberton.
The deadly incident occurred on Saturday, 26 October 2024, at about 09:00.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the four armed suspects were fatally wounded during a shootout between the law enforcement officers and the suspects.
He said four unlicensed firearms and ammunition were recovered by the police.
Narrating events leading to the fatal shooting, Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said: “Police Crime Intelligence received information about the suspects who were planning to commit a business robbery in Johannesburg”.
He said a team of law enforcement agencies that included Gauteng Crime Intelligence, SA Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng Tactical Response Team, SAPS Gauteng Anti Gang Unit, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, CAP Specialised Operations, Tracker Connect, and Badboyz Security Group, were activated to be on the lookout out for the suspects.
“A silver grey Toyota Corolla that matches the description given was spotted driving on the R59 towards Johannesburg CBD,” Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said.
“As the law enforcement agencies were stopping the vehicle with four occupants, the suspects started shooting at the law enforcement officers.
“A shootout and high-speed chase ensued.”
During the chase, the suspect’s vehicle overturned in the middle of the road.
“All four suspects were certified dead on the scene,”
Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said
He said four unlicensed firearms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects.
None of the law enforcement officers were injured.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, attributed the prevention of a possible armed robbery to collaboration between various law enforcement agencies and private security companies.
“A team of law enforcement agencies mobilised all resources, including the chopper, to be on the lookout for the suspects,” said Lieutenant General Mthombeni.
“The collaboration paid off when the team jointly intercepted the suspects and foiled the armed robbery.
“There could have been loss of lives had the suspects been successful with their criminal activity.
“Thanks to the law enforcement officers who averted all that.
“This collaboration will continue throughout the festive season and beyond.
“The message to those who are planning to commit crime this festive season is that we are ready for them.”
