Police in Gauteng seized fourteen (14) firearms in the past three days and arrested twelve (12) suspects.
Suspects have been linked to serious and violent crimes which include murder, house robbery, hijacking, and housebreaking, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as possession of suspected stolen properties.
Police recovered two (2) rifles after a foiled robbery in Soweto today. Information was received through crime intelligence about the armed suspects who were planning to commit a robbery in Soweto. Police officers from Johannesburg Flying Squad and members from Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spotted the suspects driving in a white Toyota Double Cab Bakkie in Tladi, Soweto. As the police officers were approaching, the suspects sped-off and police gave chase. Suspects started shooting at the police and shootout ensued. Suspects’ car came to a halt in Naledi and four suspects jumped out and fled on foot as shootout continued. One suspect was fatally shot, another suspect was shot on the leg and taken to hospital under police guard, while two suspects fled. None of the police officers were injured during the shootout. Two rifles with magazines loaded with ammunition were recovered. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects that are still at large. Cases of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition have been opened. An inquest docket will also be registered.
On Tuesday, police officers from Soweto Flying Squad received information from crime intelligence about the whereabouts of suspects wanted for murder and house robbery. Police proceeded to Tshepisong where they spotted one suspect who fitted the description and apprehended him. On further investigation, two (02) other suspects were found inside the shack. Upon searching the suspects and the shack, police found two (2) firearms, ammunition of different high calibre firearms, house breaking implements and dagga to the estimated street value of R6000-00.
