On Sunday night, three alleged criminals were shot dead during an exchange of gunfire with members of the SA Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng.
This incident took place on the N3 highway between Villiers and Heidelberg, an area notorious for criminal activity. The SAPS received information about a gang that was involved in blue light robberies using a white Toyota Hilux.
A multidisciplinary team was quickly mobilized and located the suspects on the N3 highway in Grootvlei, Mpumalanga.
The suspects, upon spotting the police, attempted to flee the scene, resulting in a high-speed chase towards Zonkizizwe in Ekurhuleni. During the pursuit, the suspects opened fire on the police team, prompting the officers to retaliate.
As a result, three of the suspects were fatally shot, while one managed to escape on foot. The police seized two unlicensed firearms, ammunition, blue lights, and the suspects’ vehicle, the Toyota Hilux.
This operation was a collaborative effort involving various units within the SAPS and external organizations.
The multidisciplinary team comprised members from the SAPS National Head Office Counter Intelligence, Secunda Crime Intelligence, Gauteng Tactical Response Team, Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit, DPC Tracking Team, Johannesburg K9, CAP Specialised Operations, Tracker Connect, ICB Insurance Crime Bureau, MZ Werke Security, and Telesure Insurance Investigation.
Brigadier Brenda Muridili, the provincial police spokesperson, commended the teamwork and coordination displayed during the operation. She emphasized the importance of these joint efforts in combating organized crime and ensuring the safety of the public.
Following the incident, the SAPS Crime Scene Management Team conducted a thorough examination of the crime scene to gather additional evidence. The suspects’ vehicle, the Toyota Hilux, was taken to the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit for further analysis.
This meticulous approach aims to gather as much information as possible to build a solid case against any remaining members of the criminal gang.