Kempton Park – A dramatic shootout on the R25 in Kempton Park this afternoon has left two suspected courier vehicle robbers dead and another seriously injured. The incident, which unfolded at approximately 14:00, involved a high-speed chase and exchange of gunfire between the suspects and a multi-disciplinary team comprising of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security partners.
The operation was part of a broader effort under the "safer festive season plan," targeting cash-in-transit heists and robberies of courier vehicles, according to Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.
"This is another operation as part of our safer festive season plan, focusing on cash-in-transit heists and robberies of courier vehicles," said Mthombeni.
The incident began when police attempted to stop a vehicle, a white Volkswagen Jetta, believed to be linked to criminal activity. The suspects, however, refused to comply, leading to a tense pursuit.
A multi-disciplinary team, including members of the SAPS Tactical Response Team (TRT), Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, DPC Tracking Team, DPCI Tracking Team, CAP Specialised Operations, Tracker Connect, Gemini Global Defence, and BadBoyz Security, had been tracking two identified vehicles. Information received by crime intelligence suggested the suspects were planning to rob a courier vehicle in Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni.
"As the vehicle approached the R25, the suspects were instructed to stop. They did not comply and instead started shooting at the police. The police retaliated, and the vehicle eventually veered off the road, facing west," Mthombeni explained.
The shootout resulted in fatal injuries to two occupants seated in the passenger seats of the Jetta. The driver, identified as a 47-year-old man believed to be the owner of the vehicle, sustained multiple injuries and was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital under heavy police guard. His condition is currently unknown.
Following the exchange, authorities recovered two pistols, two police reflector jackets, and blue lights from the suspects’ vehicle. These items have fuelled investigators' suspicions that the group may be connected to a string of courier vehicle hijackings across the province. The recovered firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they were used in the commission of other crimes.
The search is currently underway for suspects who fled in the other car.
Mthombeni visited the crime scene, commending the team for their swift action in foiling the robbery. "I am still sending a message to the criminals that we have squeezed the space for them," he stated. "Police are out in numbers to ensure that people in Gauteng are protected this festive season, and we will strive to always be a step ahead of the criminals."
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, as authorities work to unravel the full extent of the suspects' criminal network and bring all those involved to justice. The police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Gauteng residents during the festive season and beyond.
Follow Us on Twitter
