Criminals in Gauteng are already feeling the heat following the recent appointment of Gauteng’s Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela.
On Friday 8 February 2019, at around 11:00 on the Old Johannesburg Road in the Sebenza policing precinct, police who were on an intelligence driven operation, pursued suspects who had allegedly robbed and taken an undisclosed amount of cash from an unmarked Toyota Hilux SUV of a private Cash in Transit company.
It is reported that a shootout ensued between police, security and the suspects, with the latter ultimately cornered in Byron Street, Lombardy East, north of Johannesburg. Two victims were shot during the crossfire, one being a security officer and the other a female bystander. Both victims have been taken to hospital for medical attention.
Police have arrested seven suspects, all males and seized three R5s, one AK47 and one 9mm pistol and live ammunition.
Four vehicles, a BMW X5 with bullet holes, a BMW sedan, a VW Polo and a Toyota Yaris have also been seized. A Mercedes Benz was also recovered at Sebenza, and is believed to have been used in the commission of the robbery this morning. The Mercedes Benz has since been confirmed as stolen in Pretoria Central.
The investigation will be taken over by the Directorate Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks).
Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended all teams that were part of the intelligence driven operation that ultimately led to the successful arrest of the seven suspects. “CIT’s continue to be a priority area as police continue to put in concerted efforts in addressing serious and violent crimes”, said the Provincial Commissioner.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue to collaborate with police by reporting crime and any suspicious persons and activities. Information may be given anonymously by phoning the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or calling the nearest police station.
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