PRETORIA – Two alleged robbers were shot dead near Chris Hani Mall in Vosloorus, Johannesburg another succumbed to gunshot wounds later at the local hospital whilst one was arrested following a plot to rob a victim who had just allegedly withdrawn a substantial sum of money at a local bank.
The deadly scene played out on Thursday afternoon at the corners of Kgotso and Masakhane Streets. Two firearms, ammunition and two vehicles were seized when an elite Hawks’ Technical Operations Management Section (TOMS), followed up on information received and prevented the planned armed robbery.
The four suspects were at the parking lot in two vehicles, a Ford Figo and a Hyundai i20, waiting for their unsuspecting target to exit the mall after a transaction from the bank. The suspects panicked after they spotted what they believed were police officers in the vicinity, they fired shots at the unmarked police vehicle and sped-off. A high speed chase ensued followed by gunfire exchange until one of the suspects’ vehicle crashed into another parked vehicle on the side of the road near Hunters field stadium.
Two suspects had already succumbed to injuries whilst the other was taken to hospital where he later died. The driver of the Hyundai was also intercepted and detained following the skirmish.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the Ford Figo was reported as hijacked in July 2020, under a Rabi Ridge SAPS case number. An inquest docket has been registered for the three deceased suspects whilst the surviving suspect is expected to make a lonesome 1st appearance at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Amongst other charges he is to face, conspiracy to commit robbery, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The docket has been handed over to the local detectives for further investigation.
