Gauteng police arrested a gang of twelve armed men and recovered firearms following a foiled robbery and shootout in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday, 16 April 2022 at approximately 15:30. This arrest happened two days after another armed gang was arrested in Sebokeng and firearms recovered.
In Benoni, police were alerted about a business robbery in progress at a transport company and members from Highway Patrol, Johannesburg Flying Squad and K9 Unit proceeded to the scene where they were met with gunshots from about twelve armed men. Police responded and a shootout ensued.
Twelve suspects were arrested and five unlicensed firearms recovered.
Preliminary investigation suggests that about fourteen armed men arrived in a sedan and three trucks (horses) where they held the security guards at gunpoint. The suspects then hooked trailers that were loaded with copper. Police and private security guards arrived and intercepted the gang while still at the promises, resulting in a shootout and the arrest of suspects.
Meanwhile in Sebokeng, police foiled an armed robbery and arrested four suspects who were found with two pistols and a rifle on Thursday, 14 April 2022.
Police crime intelligence team received information about a business robbery that was to be committed at a liquor store in Sebokeng Zone 14 on Thursday. A team comprising of Crime Intelligence Unit, Sedibeng Task Team, Sedibeng Tactical Response Team, Sedibeng K9 Unit and Sedibeng Flying Squad kept a close observation, monitoring the suspects.
At about 17h15, the suspect’s vehicle, matching the description circulated, was spotted near the liquor store. It is reported that about seven armed gang entered the liquor store. As police were approaching, suspects started shooting randomly towards them and a shootout ensued.
Four suspects were arrested and three firearms, two pistols and a rifle were recovered. Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle driven by the suspects, a red VW Polo, was stolen in Vereeniging last year.
The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela commended the team for acting swiftly and tactically to prevent a business robbery and a possible loss of lives. “I am pleased with the manner in which the members handled the information and arrested these suspects. There is a high possibility that these suspects are involved in other serious and violent crimes. Their arrests will help in the reduction of crime in Sedibeng and the surroundings” said Lieutenant General Mawela.
The suspects will be profiled and the confiscated firearms will be subjected to ballistic tests to establish linkages to other crimes.
