Four suspects, aged between 25 and 38, were arrested at Winnie Mandela Zone 10 next to Phumulani Mall on July 29.
According to Constable Patricia Mgijima, the arrests were made after a high speed chase with the Johannesburg SAPS Flying Squad.
“It is alleged that the suspects had followed a truck from OR Tambo Airport earlier during the day, which was destined to make a delivery in Midrand,” said Const Mgijima.
“The suspects allegedly followed the truck to Midrand, where they noticed the truck’s escort vehicle.
“They shot and injured the driver of the escort vehicle. The suspects started to offload two palettes of electronic goods into a charcoal coloured Audio A4. A Peugeot panel van arrived and they moved the stuff from the Audi to the panel van and fled.”
Const Mgijima said the suspects sped off in a blue BMW.
She said the unsuspecting Johannesburg SAPS Flying Squad members, who were patrolling, noticed the BMW but before they could stop it, the suspects opened fire.
“The chase ensued and more back up and a chopper was called. The suspects were firing towards the police until they were cornered next to Phumulani Mall, Winnie Mandela Zone10, Tembisa.”
Const Mgijima said the suspects were found in possession of three AK47s with two magazines each and a large amount of ammunition each. There was also one pistol with live rounds and two cellular phones.
“The police learnt that there was someone admitted to Tembisa Hospital but it was confirmed that it was the truck’s escort driver. The pistol found with the suspects belonged to the escort driver. They took it when they were shooting at the truck escort driver.”
“The Audi, which was abandoned in Midrand, tested positive for a hijacking case in Sunnyside. The vehicle had been fitted with false number plates.
All four suspects are detained at the Tembisa SAPS and will appear before the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of attempted murder, possession of a hijacked motor vehicle and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
“Major General Vincent Leshabane applauded the police for the quick reaction, which made the arrests possible,” said Const Mgijima.
