Gunmen killed in “Wild West” shootout with cops
Vosloorus – Last Thursday two alleged robbers were shot dead near the Chris Hani Mall in Vosloorus, and another succumbed to gunshot wounds in hospital after police foiled a planned robbery.
A fourth suspect was arrested during what the Hawks said resembled a deadly ‘Wild West movie scene’.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha said two firearms, ammunition and two vehicles were seized when the Hawks’ Technical Operations Management Section (TOMS), followed up on information and prevented a planned armed robbery.
“The four suspects were at the parking lot in two vehicles, a Ford Figo and a Hyundai i20, waiting for their unsuspecting target to exit the mall after a bank transaction. The suspects panicked after they spotted what they believed were police officers, they fired shots at the unmarked police vehicle and sped off. A high-speed chase ensued, followed by gunfire exchange until one of the suspects’ vehicle crashed onto a parked vehicle on the side of the road near Huntersfield stadium. Two suspects had already succumbed to injuries while the other was taken to hospital where he later died. The driver of the Hyundai was also intercepted and detained following the skirmish,” Ramovha said.
He added that preliminary investigation revealed that the Ford Figo was reported as hijacked in July at Rabie Ridge SAPS.
“An inquest docket has been opened for the three deceased suspects; while the surviving suspect faces charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition,” Ramovha said.
