Police pounce on a gang suspected to be behind a series of murders in the west of Johannesburg

PARKTOWN – Police have arrested three suspects who are believed to be part of a gang that is behind multiple murders and robberies committed in Roodepoort, Braamfischerville, and Matholeville recently. The suspects were arrested on Thursday in Matholeville, west of Johannesburg, where police recovered three unlicensed firearms, ammunition and explosives.

The gang’s latest victim was a woman who was shot on Tuesday while the gang was allegedly robbing passengers inside a minibus taxi in Roodepoort. The woman died instantly and the taxi driver was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds.

On receiving reports of this notorious gang, a team was formed comprising of SAPS West Rand K9, JMPD K9, SAPS Roodepoort detectives, SANDF, TacMed Paramedics and Netcare Paramedics.

On Thursday, 30 April 2020, the team received information about the whereabouts of the suspects. The information was operationalized and the team pounced on a house used by the suspects as a hideout. Three suspects were arrested after they were found in possession of three unlicensed firearms loaded with ammunition as well as explosives.

A manhunt is underway for the other gang members who are still at large.

The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended the team for a job well done.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear at Roodepoort Magistrates Court on Monday.