Two men who are suspected to be behind a spate of hijackings in Gauteng were fatally shot while two of their accomplices were injured following a shootout with police in Centurion, Tshwane, on Thursday morning, 17 September 2020, at approximately 09:00. Two police members were also shot and airlifted to hospital.
Members of Gauteng Specific Crime Trio Team had been following and keeping close observation on the suspects when they spotted the suspects in Centurion driving a black BMW 135i. Police intercepted the suspects’ vehicle and the suspects allegedly started firing shots at the police who then returned fire. Two suspects were killed while the other two were taken to hospital under police guard.
Police on the crime scene seized two rifles and a pistol, as well as the suspect’s vehicle which has since been confirmed as having been hijacked in Honeydew, Johannesburg in July this year.
The suspects will be charged with attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and possession of hijacked vehicle. More charges may be added pending further investigation.
Gauteng Commissioner of police Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended the relentless efforts of the investigating team that continues to work hard on decreasing the volumes of hijackings where often victims are violently injured or killed. At the same time, General Mawela also issued a stern warning to criminals that police will intensify efforts to ensure that the space they operate in is squeezed to the minimum.
The Provincial Commissioner has wished the injured members a speedy recovery.
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