Deadly N12 shootout leaves three suspects dead and Johannesburg traffic in chaos

Deadly N12 shootout leaves three suspects dead and Johannesburg traffic in chaos

What began as an ordinary midweek commute quickly turned into a scene of flashing lights, gunfire, and gridlock on one of Johannesburg’s busiest routes.

Three suspected robbers were killed and another injured on Wednesday afternoon after a shootout with police on the N12 near Nasrec, following intelligence linked to a courier vehicle robbery in Tokoza.

Intelligence leads police to the suspects

According to Gauteng police, officers received information about suspects believed to have been involved in a courier robbery earlier in the day.

Acting on that tip-off, police tracked a silver Toyota Corolla travelling along Kliprivier Road before it merged onto the N12 in the direction of Soweto.

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspects allegedly sped off, triggering a high-speed chase.

Gunfire on a major highway

The pursuit ended violently between the Xavier Street interchange and the Soweto off-ramp.

A shootout broke out between police and the suspects, leaving three men dead at the scene. A fourth suspect survived but sustained injuries and was taken for medical treatment.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwil confirmed that two firearms and suspected stolen goods were recovered from the scene.

N12 brought to a standstill

The aftermath of the shooting caused major disruption for motorists, with all lanes of the N12 West closed near Nasrec.

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department urged drivers to avoid the area, warning of significant delays as forensic teams worked at the scene.

Motorists were advised to exit at Xavier Street, use the M1 North or South where possible, or divert via the Golden Highway to bypass the closure.

For many commuters heading home, social media quickly filled with images of stationary traffic, emergency vehicles, and helicopters hovering above the highway a familiar but unsettling sight for Joburg residents.

A familiar crime pattern in Gauteng

Courier vehicle robberies have become a persistent concern across Gauteng, often involving armed suspects and high-speed getaways on major routes.

The N12, which cuts through industrial and residential zones linking Johannesburg to the West Rand and Soweto, has increasingly become a flashpoint for such incidents raising concerns about commuter safety during peak travel hours.

While police continue to stress the importance of intelligence-driven operations, Wednesday’s events once again highlight how quickly everyday roads can turn into crime scenes.

Investigation continues

Police investigations are ongoing, with further details expected as forensic analysis and witness statements are completed.

For now, the message from authorities is clear: motorists should remain alert, follow traffic advisories closely, and avoid affected routes when major police operations are underway.

{Source: The South African}

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