Four suspected robbers were shot and killed during a shootout with Gauteng police and other law enforcement officers in Bronkhorstspruit on Friday evening.
According to police, the suspects were planning a cash-in-transit heist when officers from crime intelligence in Pretoria received information about the planned robbery. A team of law enforcement members acted on the tip-off and began monitoring the suspects.
At around 5.30 pm, officers spotted a white Fiat on the R25 towards Bronkhorstspruit. When they tried to stop the vehicle, the suspects opened fire, sparking a shootout. Three suspects were fatally wounded, and police recovered a pistol and a rifle at the scene.
Shortly afterward, another group of suspects driving a white Toyota Corolla was intercepted in the Welbekend area. Police said a second shootout broke out, leaving one suspect dead while another fled on foot. An AK-47 assault rifle and two magazines were recovered.
Further investigations led officers to a safe house in Dennilton, Limpopo, where explosives and a hijacked Mercedes-Benz were seized. One suspect was arrested.
Police recovered three firearms — including two rifles — along with magazines loaded with ammunition. The recovered Mercedes-Benz had reportedly been hijacked in Ekangala, Tshwane.
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, said the success of the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration.
“The swift action by our teams prevented a potentially violent cash-in-transit robbery. The suspects were heavily armed, but our members acted decisively and with bravery. We will continue to intensify operations to ensure that those who target cash vehicles are brought to justice,” Sibeko said.
The operation was a joint effort involving SAPS Counter Intelligence, Gauteng Tactical Response Team, Anti-Gang Unit, Airwing, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, and private security companies under the Eyes and Ears Initiative in partnership with Business Against Crime South Africa.
Gauteng’s acting provincial commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana, also commended the officers for their professionalism.
“We are working together in our commitment to ensuring that those who intend to commit crimes in the province are dealt with swiftly and decisively,” Kekana said.
Police have opened cases of attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms, among other charges.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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