GAUTENG MOST WANTED CRIMINAL GUNNED-DOWN

A suspect who has been on the list of most wanted suspects in Gauteng was fatally wounded during a shootout with the police in Olivenhoutbosch on Sunday, while two of his accomplices were arrested.

Police received information about the whereabouts of the suspect who is wanted for the attempted murder of two police officers, cash-in-transit robberies, ATM bombings and murders. Amongst the people that he allegedly killed was a traffic police officer who was responding to ATM bombing in Erasmia, Tshwane.

Police kept a close observation and surveillance on the suspect. A take down operation consisting of SAPS Gauteng Tactical Response Team, SAPS Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit, Johannesburg Metro Police Department members, Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department members, Vusela Intel, SRM Security and Bravallo Aeronotics was organised.

The team spotted the suspect, together with the other two males, driving in a white Toyota Quantum and a Hyundai i20 at Spin City in Olivenhoutbosch. As police intercepted these vehicles, the suspects started firing shots, and the police returned fire. The main suspect was fatally shot while two suspects were arrested. Two firearms, with serial numbers filed off and 26 live rounds of ammunition were recovered at the scene. The two cars, a Toyota Quantum and Hyundai i20, driven by the suspects, were seized.

Preliminary investigation revealed that all three suspects are linked to ATM bombings that took place in Soweto recently.

The firearms that were recovered will be subjected to ballistic testing to determine any linkages to the commission of other crimes committed in the country.

The Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Tommy Mthombeni, applauded the collective efforts of law enforcement agencies who worked together to apprehend the suspects who are believed to be involved in serious and violent crimes in the province.