A suspect was shot dead on Monday after law enforcement agents exchanged intense gunfire with alleged criminals in Westdene, Sophiatown.
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, said five other suspects were arrested following the shootout.
“Out of the five arrested, two are in hospital, under police guard, as they sustained injuries during the shootout,” he said.
“The suspects are believed to be involved in a number of incidents where churches and places of worship were robbed. They were found in possession of unlicensed firearms and music instruments that they allegedly stole from a church in Florida.”
Masondo said the police crime intelligence unit received information about the suspects who were committing armed robberies and break-ins at places of worship around Gauteng.
“The information was that a group was to rob a church in Florida. Various law enforcement agencies that include South African Police Service (SAPS) counter intelligence from head office, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (also known as the Hawks), tracking team, Gauteng tactical response team, Gauteng anti-gang unit, Gauteng traffic police air wing, CAP specialised operations, Tracker Connect and Bad Boyz Security were activated to intercept the suspects,” he said.
As the law enforcement agents were on a lookout, the Toyota Quantum that was said to be used by the criminals was spotted driving in the Sophiatown area.
The vehicle sped off after police tried to stop it, and a high-speed chase ensued.
“During the chase, the suspects started shooting at the law enforcement officers and a shootout ensued. The suspects’ car crashed into a fence. Five suspects were arrested, and one was fatally wounded,” said Masondo.
“Two suspects amongst the five were wounded during the shootout and under police guard in hospital. Police recovered three firearms and ammunition from the suspects.”
Upon searching the Toyota Quantum, police found a music system worth more than R2 million, that was reportedly stolen from a church in Florida.
Police also seized the Toyota Quantum that was used by the alleged robbers.
“The suspects will be profiled, and the firearms will be taken for ballistic tests to determine if they were used in the commission of other crimes,” said Masondo.
IOL