2 suspects shot dead on the way to commit robbery, one escaped during gunfight with police! Two suspects who were reportedly on their way to commit a cross-pavement robbery were killed during a shoot-out with police on Thursday.
Cross pavement robberies target security guards as they transport cash to and from ATMs or retailer shops, a crime on the rise due to the large sums of money involved.
This incident unfolded along the R59 highway near Kliprivier as the suspects were reportedly heading to Sedibeng in Gauteng.
Police Interception and Fatal Shoot-Out
Acting on a tip-off, provincial police had been monitoring the suspects’ movements. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi explained that officers intercepted the suspects after receiving credible information that the group was en route to commit a cross-pavement robbery.
Upon police approach, the suspects began firing at the officers, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire.
“The suspects were intercepted, and when approached, they started firing at the police, who retaliated by fatally shooting two of the suspects while one of them fled the scene on foot,” said Nevhuhulwi. During the confrontation, one police officer sustained a gunshot wound but survived the encounter.
Evidence Recovered at the Scene
At the scene, police found a firearm belonging to one of the suspects, confirming that the group was armed and potentially dangerous.
Preliminary investigations also revealed that the vehicle the suspects were using had been reported stolen in Alexandra in October 2024. Nevhuhulwi stated that police are now working on tracking down the third suspect who fled on foot and remains at large.
Efforts to locate and apprehend the remaining suspect are ongoing, and authorities have encouraged the public to report any information that may assist in his capture.
Civilian Defends Himself Against Attempted Hijacking
In another dramatic incident earlier in the week, a civilian in Gauteng defended himself against a group of six suspected hijackers, resulting in the deaths of three suspects. According to witnesses, the hijackers attempted to pull the motorist off the road by posing as law enforcement officers.
The incident highlights an increasing trend of criminals impersonating police officers to deceive and target unsuspecting drivers.
Witnesses reported that the motorist was accosted by people in two separate vehicles, a red Kia Rio and a blue Ford Focus, with the suspects displaying what appeared to be a police appointment certificate in an attempt to convince him to stop.
“It is alleged that a man was driving on the highway when occupants of two different vehicles signaled him to stop, showing him what looked like a police appointment certificate,” Nevhuhulwi noted.
Motorist’s Swift Response Thwarts Hijacking
The suspects approached the motorist and tried to lure him into lowering his guard by telling him there was an issue with his vehicle. When the man stopped and bent down to inspect, they revealed their intent by pointing a knife at him, declaring that they wanted his car. However, the motorist, who was armed, reacted swiftly by drawing his firearm and firing at the attackers.
As shots were exchanged, three suspects from the red Kia Rio were killed instantly. Meanwhile, the remaining suspects in the blue Ford Focus fled the scene, reportedly firing shots back at the motorist as they sped away.
Investigation into Crime Patterns and Public Safety
Following these incidents, police in Gauteng have intensified investigations into both cases and are also probing links between the groups of suspects involved in recent robberies and hijackings.
The cases, which include charges of murder, attempted murder, and attempted hijacking, are shedding light on alarming trends in violent crime targeting both civilians and high-value cash-in-transit operations.
Law enforcement is also advising the public to be cautious on the road and vigilant of potential hijackers posing as law enforcement. In light of the recent shoot-outs, officials have reinforced their commitment to addressing crime and protecting civilians.
The increased frequency of such crimes, however, underscores the need for heightened safety measures and awareness to combat criminal activity in high-risk areas like Gauteng.
Moving Forward: Authorities’ Message to the Public
As the hunt for the remaining suspects continues, authorities are urging the public to remain calm but cautious. Nevhuhulwi stressed the importance of not engaging with individuals who attempt to impersonate law enforcement and instead encouraged the public to report suspicious activities to the police immediately.
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