Gauteng police intercept armed robbery suspects en route to Sedibeng; two suspects killed, one remains at large.
In a daring encounter on Thursday, Gauteng police foiled an attempted cross-pavement robbery in Sedibeng, resulting in the deaths of two suspects. The confrontation took place on the R59 road near Kliprivier, with one suspect fleeing the scene. A police officer sustained injuries during the shootout, highlighting the escalating tension in Gauteng’s fight against organized crime.
Police Intercept Robbery Attempt
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, law enforcement received an anonymous tip-off that suspects were on their way to commit a cross-pavement robbery in Sedibeng. The Gauteng Tactical Response Team, working alongside Gauteng Traffic and private security companies, intercepted the suspects’ vehicle on the R59. Upon approach, the suspects fired at the officers, sparking a gun battle. Two suspects were fatally shot, while the third managed to escape on foot.
“The suspects were intercepted, and when approached, they began firing at the police, who retaliated, fatally shooting two suspects while the third fled the scene,” said Nevhuhulwi. Police recovered one firearm from the scene, and initial investigations revealed that the suspects’ vehicle had been reported stolen from Alexandra in October 2024.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach Praised
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni praised the swift, coordinated response of the Tactical Response Team and Gauteng Traffic authorities. He attributed the operation’s success to Minister Senzo Mchunu’s collaborative crime-fighting strategy, which encourages a multi-disciplinary approach involving police and private security forces.
“The swift response and decisive action taken by the team have helped protect the citizens of Gauteng Province,” stated Mthombeni, acknowledging the teamwork that enabled the police to intercept and neutralize the threat.
Manhunt Underway for Fleeing Suspect
As of now, a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the third suspect who fled the scene. Police are urging members of the public to come forward with any information that may lead to the arrest of the fugitive.
Related Incident in KwaZulu-Natal
In a separate incident in Cornubia, KwaZulu-Natal, two unknown assailants tragically shot and killed a mother in her home bathroom, leaving behind her teenage daughter and one-year-old son. Local authorities are actively investigating the case, as communities in both provinces continue to deal with violent crime incidents.
This recent shootout and ongoing manhunt serve as a sobering reminder of the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public to maintain safety and security in South Africa.
Gauteng police’s decisive action in Thursday’s foiled robbery underscores the effectiveness of collaborative, multi-disciplinary efforts in curbing crime in South Africa. The manhunt for the third suspect continues, with the public urged to assist authorities in ensuring justice is served.
Also read: Police Issue Warning on Vehicle Theft in Tshwane Following Arrests After High-Speed Chase
