By Everson Luhanga
A group of suspected criminals who have been terrorising and robbing people for a long time have been arrested.
In a dramatic shootout, police ended their reign of terror when they arrested four armed men who are believed to be behind an armed robbery in Gauteng.
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the arrest.
“Four suspects who are believed to be behind the spate of robberies in Gauteng were arrested after they were involved in the shootout with the police in Gauteng. The suspects, aged between 44 and 49 were arrested in Cyrildene, Johannesburg,” said Lt-Col Masondo.
He said during the arrest police found three reported stolen firearms, ammunition, a reported stolen motor vehicle, and housebreaking implements in the possession of suspects.
“Two of the suspects sustained injuries during the shootout and they were taken to the hospital where they are under police guard,” he said.
“The other two were cornered and arrested. None of the police officers were injured.”
Lt-Col Masondo said police attached to Johannesburg Flying Squad received a lookout for a silver Renault Clio with male occupants who are suspected to be involved in several house robberies.
The police spotted the vehicle driving in Cyrildene and turned on the blue lights and sirens and the suspects raced away and started shooting at the police.
The police returned fire, and the suspects’ vehicle collided with two parked vehicles.
Lt-Col Masondo said investigations revealed that both the vehicle and the firearms used by the suspects were previously stolen.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court in due course, facing charges of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of ammunition, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. More charges might be added pending further investigation.
Pictured above: Four suspects handcuffed.
Image source: SAPS
