By Staff Reporter
- Police shot dead four suspected armed robbers linked to airport crimes after a high speed chase and shootout in Yeoville at about 5.30am.
- Officers arrested one injured suspect and seized three unlicensed firearms believed to be used in robberies targeting travellers from OR Tambo International Airport.
Four men believed to be part of a gang targeting people travelling from OR Tambo International Airport were shot dead in a police shootout in Yeoville, Johannesburg.
The incident happened early on Wednesday morning at about 5.30am after police acted on intelligence about a group linked to a string of armed robberies.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said officers tracked the suspects, who were travelling in a Suzuki Swift with false registration plates.
A joint team made up of crime intelligence, the Gauteng Tactical Response Team, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, CAP Specialised Operations and Tracker Connect worked on the operation.
Police tried to stop the car in Yeoville. This led to a high speed chase through the area.
Muridili said a shootout then broke out between the suspects and police.
“Four suspects were fatally wounded, while a fifth suspect sustained injuries, was arrested, and is currently under police guard,” she said.
Police recovered three unlicensed firearms and ammunition at the scene.
When reporters arrived, the bodies were still lying in the street. They were covered with foil blankets next to the car the suspects had been using.
Police have opened cases of murder, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The Serious and Violent Crimes unit will continue investigating. Crime intelligence officers are also working to identify the suspects and link them to other crimes.
The firearms will be tested to check if they were used in previous robberies.
Pictured above: Suspects killed in Yeoville shootout.
Image source: X
