Four suspected armed robbers were shot and killed on Saturday in a shootout with police between Nelson Mandela Avenue and Swarkoppies Road on R59, Alberton.

Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni says the Police Crime Intelligence received information about the suspects planning to commit a business robbery in the area.

“A team including the Tactical Response Team, Gauteng Traffic Police, and other law enforcement agencies was activated to be on the lookout for the suspects,” he said.

A silver-grey Toyota Corolla matching the description provided was spotted driving on the R59 toward Johannesburg CBD.

“As law enforcement attempted to stop the vehicle with four occupants, the suspects opened fire. A shootout and high-speed chase followed, resulting in four fatalities,” Mthombeni explained.

He said four unlicensed firearms and ammunition were recovered from the suspects, and no law enforcement officers were injured.

Mthombeni said law enforcement used all available resources, including a helicopter, to locate and stop the suspects, successfully preventing the robbery. He thanked the officers for ensuring public safety.

“This collaboration will continue throughout the festive season and beyond. The message to those planning to commit crimes is that we are ready for them,” said Lieutenant General Mthombeni.

According to AfriForum Alberton, the road was temporarily closed, but the R59 southbound has since reopened with traffic flowing smoothly.

However, the R59 northbound was still closed at the time of publishing, resulting in traffic being backed up to Kliprivier Road.

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