Johannesburg – Two armed robbers were fatally wounded and another injured during a shootout with law enforcement agencies in Olifantsfontein, Ekurhuleni on Monday, (13 March 2023).
Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the deadly shootout occurred at about 10:30.
“At the scene, the team recovered three unlicensed firearms and a vehicle that is reported to be hijacked in Sandringham earlier this month,” said Lieutenant Colonel Masondo.
“Police Crime Intelligence received information about the armed robbery and carjacking suspects that were going to commit a robbery in Ekurhuleni.”
Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said a team of law enforcement agencies, consisting of SA Police Service Ekurhuleni Central Crime Intelligence, SAPS Highway Patrol Unit, Gauteng Traffic Police Saturation Unit, Tracker Connect and Bad Boyz Security operationalised the information and kept a close observation.
“The team spotted three suspects driving in a GWM SUV and intercepted them,” said Lieutenant Colonel Masondo.
“The suspects fired shots at the team and a shootout ensued.
“The suspects’ vehicle collided with a fence and two suspects were fatally wounded while the third suspect sustained injuries.
“No member of the law enforcement agencies was injured.”
Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said the police recovered three unlicensed firearms used by the suspects during the shootout.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle driven by the suspects was reportedly hijacked in Sandringham earlier this month and it was fitted with a false registration number,” said Lieutenant Colonel Masondo.
“The arrested suspect will be charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of a hijacked vehicle, and attempted murder, amongst other crimes.
“The suspect will also be profiled to establish if he is not linked to other crimes.”
