One suspect was killed while another was wounded after a gang of gunmen hijacked two trucks carrying cell phones in Midrand on 10 November.
Brigadier Mathapelo Peters, spokesperson for Gauteng Provincial Police, said the two trucks were transporting thousands of cell phones when they were hijacked on K101 Road (Old Pretoria Road) by an unconfirmed number of armed suspects travelling in three vehicles.
Police were called and immediately traced the first truck to President Park where they found the suspects off-loading the cargo and loading it onto their truck.
“The suspects fled the scene, abandoning their Isuzu bakkie in which police found a set of number plates, jamming devices, and the magazine of a R5 rifle. Police followed up on information on the second truck and intercepted a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. A shoot-out ensued between the suspects and the police,” said Peters.
“One of the suspects was shot and certified dead on the scene, a second suspect was injured and taken to hospital under police guard. A third suspect who attempted to flee the scene was caught and taken into custody. No police members were injured.”
Peters added that police found more cell phones in the Sprinter, and the owner of the hijacked trucks and cargo positively identified the stolen property. “The suspects will be charged with attempted murder, possession of stolen property, and possession of hijacked trucks. More charges may be added with the possibility of more arrests, pending further investigations. They will appear before the Midrand Magistrates’ Court in due course.”
The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Patricia Rampota commended the prompt response by police.
“With the festive season right on our doorstep, criminals are demonstrating with each violent incident that they will not hesitate to shoot and kill the police, or anyone who may be an obstacle in their criminal activities,” said Rampota.
“Our members must therefore be operationally and tactically savvy at all times, ensuring their own safety while protecting and serving our communities.”
