Three suspected cash-in-transit robbers were shot dead during an exchange of gunfire with police on Kliprivier Road in Johannesburg South, after officers allegedly intercepted a group believed to be preparing to commit a robbery in Roodepoort.
Three civilians were injured when the suspects’ vehicle lost control and collided with two vehicles on the N12 during the shootout.
The incident happened on Friday afternoon as a joint law enforcement team followed up on intelligence about a group travelling in two vehicles.
One of the vehicles, a white Mercedes-Benz, was spotted on Kliprivier Road between the N12 West and N12 East exits.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, officers attempted to stop the Mercedes-Benz as it approached traffic lights.
“The suspects allegedly opened fire on the officers, who retaliated,” she said.
The gunfire unfolded on a busy stretch of road, with the Mercedes-Benz losing control during the exchange.
“During the exchange of gunfire, the suspects’ vehicle lost control and collided with two civilian vehicles on the N12, resulting in injuries to three civilians,” Nevhuhulwi said.
The injured civilians were taken to hospital for medical treatment. Police did not immediately provide further details about the extent of their injuries.
The three suspects travelling in the Mercedes-Benz were certified dead at the scene.
Police recovered two AK-47 rifles, several magazines and multiple rounds of ammunition from the vehicle.
The recovery of the assault rifles is expected to form part of the investigation into the group’s alleged plans and whether the firearms were linked to other cash-in-transit robberies or violent crimes.
Second Vehicle Traced To Johannesburg CBD
Investigators also followed up on the second vehicle believed to be connected to the group.
The vehicle, described as a white Audi, was traced to the Johannesburg central business district.
“ The second vehicle, a white Audi, was traced and found in the Johannesburg CBD,” Nevhuhulwi said. “Two suspects were arrested.”
The two suspects were taken into police custody as investigators worked to establish their alleged roles in the planned robbery and their connection to the three people who died during the shootout.
Police have not released the identities of the suspects who were killed or those who were arrested.
The incident began after intelligence officers received information about a group allegedly using two vehicles while travelling towards Roodepoort.
A multidisciplinary team was then assembled to track the vehicles and intervene before the alleged robbery could take place.
The operation involved members of SAPS Organised Crime, the Tactical Response Team, the Anti-Gang Unit, the Gauteng Traffic Airwing, CAP Specialised Operations and Tracker Connect.
Gauteng provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni praised the team for its work in following up on the intelligence and intercepting the suspects.
Mthombeni applauded the joint operation team “for their collaborative efforts in dealing with serious and violent crimes in the province”.
The police operation comes amid continued efforts to disrupt armed robbery groups that target cash-in-transit vehicles and other high-value targets.
Cash-in-transit robberies often involve heavily armed groups using high-powered rifles, fast vehicles and escape routes planned in advance. Police operations targeting these groups frequently rely on intelligence gathered before an alleged robbery takes place.
In this case, officers were able to identify one of the vehicles and intercept it before the suspects allegedly reached their intended destination in Roodepoort.
However, the attempted stop quickly turned into a gun battle, leaving three suspects dead and three members of the public injured in the resulting crash.
The collision also created a danger for other motorists using the N12, one of Johannesburg’s busiest routes.
Police have not said whether any officers were injured during the exchange of gunfire.
The two arrested suspects are expected to face charges once the investigation has been completed. The charges could include attempted cash-in-transit robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and other offences linked to the incident.
Investigators will also examine the firearms and ammunition recovered from the Mercedes-Benz. The weapons will likely be sent for ballistic testing to determine whether they were used in previous crimes.
The white Audi will also be examined as part of the investigation, while police continue to establish how many people were involved in the suspected robbery plan.
The deaths of the three suspects will be investigated in line with standard procedures following a police shooting. The circumstances surrounding the exchange of gunfire will form part of the official investigation.
The police operation was welcomed by senior officers as an example of intelligence-led policing, but the injuries suffered by three civilians highlighted the risks created when armed suspects and police engage in a shootout on a public road.
The investigation remains under way, with the two arrested suspects expected to appear in court after they have been formally charged.