Everson Luhanga
Gunshots echoed on the busy streets of the Johannesburg CBD on Monday afternoon when police exchanged fire with three suspected criminals.
A car (pictured above in an image supplied by the police) driven by the suspects was riddled with bullets by the end of the long shootout. One suspect was shot dead at the scene, while the two others fled.
The events unfolded after a multidisciplinary team consisting of members of SAPS Crime Intelligence and other law enforcement agencies followed up on information about suspects that had been committing armed robberies and car hijackings around the city.
Three suspects were chased from Mayfair before their vehicle crashed into an electric pole in the Johannesburg inner city. One suspect was found by authorities with gunshot wounds and was certified dead on the scene.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the incident.
“As the chase ensued from Mayfair, two suspects jumped out of the moving vehicle and fled on foot. Police continued to chase the suspects’ vehicle until it crashed into an electric pole in the Johannesburg CBD.”
Police have launched a manhunt for the two remaining suspects.
Masondo said police officials initially tried to stop the suspects’ vehicle but a chase ensued when they sped off and began firing bullets at pursuing officers.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the vehicle was fitted with false registration plates and was reportedly hijacked in Kempton Park in May this year.
Masondo said police recovered four unlicensed firearms and ammunition inside the suspects’ vehicle.
“None of the members of law enforcement agencies or the public were injured,” he said.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson Xolani Fihla said officials helped in redirecting traffic which was brought to a halt by the crime scene.
By Monday evening, traffic flow was back to normal after the scene was cleared by officials.
