Gauteng police and other law enforcement officers shot and killed four suspected robbers during a shootout in Bronkhorstspruit on Friday evening.
Police say the suspects were planning a cash-in-transit heist when crime intelligence officers in Pretoria received a tip-off about the planned robbery.
Robbers and police gun battle on the R25
At around 5.30 pm, officers spotted a white Fiat on the R25 heading towards Bronkhorstspruit.
When police tried to stop the vehicle, the suspects opened fire, prompting a shootout.
Officers shot and killed three suspects and recovered a pistol and a rifle at the scene.
Shortly after, police intercepted another group of suspects driving a white Toyota Corolla in the Welbekend area.
A second shootout followed, killing one suspect while another fled on foot. Officers recovered an AK-47 assault rifle and two magazines.
Robbers’ Safe House Raided in Limpopo
Following the gun battles, police traced the suspects to a safe house in Dennilton, Limpopo.
Officers seized explosives and a hijacked Mercedes-Benz that they believe the suspects had stolen in Ekangala, Tshwane. One suspect was arrested.
Police also recovered three firearms, including two rifles, along with magazines filled with ammunition.
Police Praise Joint Operation
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said the coordinated response prevented a potentially deadly cash-in-transit robbery.
“The swift action by our teams prevented a potentially violent cash-in-transit robbery. The suspects were heavily armed, but our members acted decisively and with bravery. We will continue to intensify operations to ensure that those who target cash vehicles are brought to justice,” Sibeko said.
The operation involved several law enforcement units, including SAPS Counter-Intelligence, the Gauteng Tactical Response Team, the Anti-Gang Unit, the Airwing, and the Hawks. Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing and private security companies under the Eyes and Ears Initiative, in partnership with Business Against Crime South Africa, also took part in the operation.
