Gauteng Police have arrested three suspects for Armed Robbery, Hijacking and the Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition. The suspects are all between the ages of 25 and 30 years old and will appear in the Tembisa Magistrates’ Court soon.
It is alleged that two police officers were approached by suspects while eating lunch at a food outlet in Rabie Ridge. The suspects pointed the officers with a firearm, disarmed and locked them in the back of their patrol vehicle and fled with the firearms. The suspects, who were joined by three others, hijacked a vehicle and fled.
The two officers, who were locked inside the police vehicle, were assisted by community members to open the vehicle. The members called for backup and a chase ensued. The suspects lost control of their vehicle and fired several shots at the police who returned fire. No injuries were reported. Debriefing by Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) was arranged for the members.
Police arrested three suspects and confiscated three firearms. Two of the firearms were those robbed from the police. A third firearm has been linked to an incident where JMPD officers were shot at and robbed of their firearms in September 2014. Police are searching for the outstanding suspects. Investigations into the matter are continuing. Police are looking at the possibility of linking the suspects to other crimes in the area.
Police are appealing to anyone who may assist with information to phone Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or SMS Crime Line at 32211.
Also view: