Two suspects, linked to the hijacking and robbery of trucks and courier vehicles, were shot dead during a shootout with police in Reiger Park, Gauteng.
Two unlicensed firearms were recovered at the scene.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said a multi-disciplinary team acted on information about suspects linked to the crimes.
The operation involved members of the Gauteng Tactical Response Team, Crime Intelligence, the Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, CAP Specialised Operations, Tracker Connect and Gemini Global Defence.
“One of the suspected vehicles was spotted in Boksburg and, when officers attempted to stop it, the driver allegedly sped off,” said Nevhuhulwi.
A high-speed chase followed, leading to a shootout.
“The suspects’ vehicle came to a standstill near an informal settlement. Two suspects fled on foot into the settlement, while two others were fatally wounded inside the vehicle,” she said.
During the exchange of gunfire, the windscreen of a police vehicle was damaged. No officers were injured.
“The members escaped unharmed and will receive debriefing through Employee Health and Wellness services,” Nevhuhulwi said.
Police recovered two unlicensed firearms and a Mazda vehicle at the scene.
Further investigations led officers to a property in Germiston believed to have been used as a safe house by the suspects. There, police recovered a Chevrolet Captiva SUV that was found to have been stolen in a Booysens robbery case, as well as several false registration plates.
