Three suspected cash-in-transit robbers were fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire with police on Friday, 9 October, as law enforcement officers moved to intercept a group allegedly planning a robbery in Roodepoort.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers acted on crime intelligence information about a group travelling in two vehicles and allegedly preparing to commit a robbery.
One of the vehicles, a white Mercedes-Benz, was spotted on Kliprivier Road. Police attempted to stop the vehicle as it approached traffic lights, but the occupants allegedly opened fire on officers, who returned fire.
During the shootout, the Mercedes-Benz reportedly lost control and collided with two civilian vehicles on the N12.
Three civilians sustained injuries in the collision and were transported to hospital for medical treatment.
All three suspects travelling in the Mercedes-Benz were declared dead at the scene. Police recovered two AK-47 rifles, several magazines and multiple rounds of ammunition from the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the second vehicle, a white Audi, was traced to the Johannesburg CBD, where two additional suspects were arrested.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni commended the law enforcement team involved in the operation for their coordinated efforts to combat serious and violent crime.
The operation involved SAPS Organised Crime, the Tactical Response Team (TRT), the Anti-Gang Unit, the Gauteng Traffic Airwing, CAP Specialised Operations and Tracker Connect private security personnel.
Mthombeni reiterated the importance of intelligence-led operations in disrupting planned criminal activities and protecting communities across the province.
Globe Post will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available.
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