Three suspected Rolex gang members killed, one arrested after Buccleuch shootout

Three men suspected of belonging to the Rolex gang were killed and a fourth person was arrested after an intelligence-driven operation escalated into a high-speed chase and shootout at the Buccleuch interchange, north of Johannesburg, on 25 June.

How the operation unfolded

Gauteng police say the incident began after intelligence identified a group of men travelling in three vehicles and suspected of prowling shopping centres. “The Gauteng Tactical Response Team spotted one of the identified vehicles along N3. They attempted to stop the vehicle, which sped off, leading to a high-speed chase and shootout between suspects and the police,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.

Shootout at Buccleuch interchange

The suspects’ vehicle was brought to a halt at the Buccleuch interchange. “The suspects were declared dead on the scene, and two pistols were found in their vehicle,” Nevhuhulwi said.

Second vehicle stopped and arrest made

While police processed the scene, officers located and stopped a second identified vehicle. The lone occupant of that car was arrested and will be charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, the spokesperson said.

Agencies involved

The Gauteng Tactical Response Team was supported by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, the Gauteng Traffic Airwing and private security companies during the operation. “The collaboration between various law enforcement agencies and private security companies continues to produce positive results in the fight against crime,” Nevhuhulwi added.

Rolex gang background

The report describes the Rolex gang as a notorious, organised group of armed criminals that follows wealthy individuals from shopping centres or airports and robs them at gunpoint for high-end watches, jewellery and gadgets. According to the account, the gang sometimes follows victims to homes or secure parking garages and has been linked to attacks in upscale suburbs, including Bryanston, Sandton, Rosebank and Menlyn.

Next steps

Investigations into the incident are continuing, Gauteng police said.