Two suspects killed in Gauteng shootout during attempted arrest, police say

Two suspects shot dead in Reiger Park during attempted arrest, police say

Two suspects linked to the hijacking and robbery of trucks and courier vehicles were shot dead during a shootout with police in Reiger Park, Gauteng. Police recovered unlicensed firearms, a stolen SUV and false registration plates after a high-speed chase and exchange of gunfire, authorities said.

Operation and pursuit

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said a multi-disciplinary team acted on information about suspects linked to the thefts. The operation involved the Gauteng Tactical Response Team, Crime Intelligence, the Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, CAP Specialised Operations, Tracker Connect and Gemini Global Defence.

According to Nevhuhulwi, one of the suspected vehicles was spotted in Boksburg. When officers attempted to stop it, the driver allegedly sped off, triggering a high-speed chase that ended near an informal settlement.

Shootout and scene

During the confrontation the suspects’ vehicle came to a standstill and two suspects fled on foot into the settlement, while two others were fatally wounded inside the vehicle, Nevhuhulwi said. She added that two unlicensed firearms and a Mazda vehicle were recovered at the scene.

Police said the windscreen of a police vehicle was damaged during the exchange of gunfire but no officers were injured. Nevhuhulwi said the members “escaped unharmed and will receive debriefing through Employee Health and Wellness services.”

Follow-up searches and recoveries

Further investigations led officers to a property in Germiston believed to have been used as a safe house by the suspects. There police recovered a Chevrolet Captiva SUV that was found to have been stolen in a Booysens robbery case, as well as several false registration plates.

Investigation and community appeal

Nevhuhulwi said investigations were continuing to determine whether the suspects were linked to other crimes. Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni commended officers for their swift response and thanked community members for their support.

“Many arrests and crime-fighting successes result from public tip-offs,” the police said.

The police called on the public to report criminal activity at their nearest police station, by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or anonymously through the MySAPS app.