In a dramatic confrontation on Smith Street, Parktown, three suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded after opening fire on police officers who were attempting to intercept their vehicle. The incident, which occurred as the suspects were driving into the city center, has been linked to a major cash-in-transit heist and a recent kidnapping.
According to Major General Fred Kekana, who briefed the media at the scene, a police team was acting on intelligence and following up on a vehicle matching the description of one used by a wanted kidnapping syndicate. The officers spotted the suspicious car on the M1 highway driving into town.
“When they tried to stop it, the occupants rather than stopping, they decided they own the world,” Major General Fred Kekana stated. “They decided they own the county and the road… unfortunately, they shot at police and the police had to defend themselves and the team that was there.”
The police returned fire, resulting in the deaths of the three occupants. A second vehicle, which was traveling with the suspects, managed to escape the scene. A manhunt for the occupants of that vehicle is currently underway.
Major General Fred Kekana revealed that one of the deceased suspects is directly linked to a cash-in-transit heist that occurred on April 6, 2003, in Sebokeng, where nine suspects were fatally wounded and two were arrested. The identification of the escaped suspect from that case led to the current investigation.
The group has also been linked to other serious crimes. They are suspects in the kidnapping of a Chinese national in Langlaagte policing precinct during June of this year. Additionally, just last week on the 14th, the syndicate attempted to kidnap a South African Indian male in Randburg. The intended victim reportedly managed to escape by deliberately colliding with one of the kidnappers’ vehicles before fleeing. A case of attempted kidnapping was opened at the Runbeck police station.
At the scene, police recovered a shotgun and a pistol from the suspects’ vehicle. Forensic teams are processing the scene to determine the authenticity of the vehicle and its license plates, and to see if any other weapons or evidence can be found.
“The team was on the route to commit robbery,” Major General Fred Kekana said, crediting crime intelligence for tracking the suspects. He emphasized that the police service is focused on reducing violent crime, especially with the festive season approaching.
When asked about the challenges police face, Major General Kekana affirmed, “We are hard at work… amongst other focus points is to ensure we reduce violent crimes like cash-in-transit heists, carjackings, drugs, and serious aggravated robberies.”
The identities of the three deceased suspects are still being verified, though authorities are confident about the identity of the suspect linked to the 2003 heist. The investigation into the syndicate’s operations and the search for their accomplices continues.
