Police have launched a manhunt for about 10 suspects in connection with the attempted armed robbery on the R21 north near Griffiths Road in Jet Park on Tuesday morning.
According to SAPS provincial spokesperson, Capt Kay Makhubele, the suspects were travelling in two white VW Golf 7 vehicles.
“Officers who were doing routine patrols on the R21 were alerted to the attempted robbery where two security officers, who were transporting valuables from a mine, were wounded by the suspects,” said Makhubele.
The attack is believed to have started in Boksburg but the security officer who was driving only lost control of the vehicle at the Griffiths Road off-ramp.
Makhubele told Express further investigations would reveal what was taken by the suspects prior to the arrival of police. It is suspected the guards’ firearms could be missing. The suspects fled the scene after a shootout with police.
Although there are speculations that the security officers were transporting gold, Makhubele couldn’t confirm this.
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“We are not certain at this stage what they were transporting and we can’t confirm whether they were transporting gold or not,” said Makhubele.
Thabang Makgoba told Express their vehicle was shot at during the shooting in Boksburg. “We were in Boksburg headed for the R21 when we felt a bang on our car,” said Makgoba.
“At first, we thought the tyre had burst and we slowed down. As we looked out the window we saw the vehicle with the security guards being shot at by the suspects in two VW vehicles. We were scared and didn’t know what to do because the suspects kept shooting at the other vehicle. This was very traumatic to experience.”
Makgoba said they were in front of the vehicle the security guards were travelling in until their vehicle’s tyre was hit.
Netcare 911 was among the ambulance services on scene and treated the injured security officers.
“One of the victims sustained a gunshot wound to the head and the other was found with gunshot wounds to his upper torso,” said Shawn Herbst, spokesperson for Netcare 911.
The guards were transported to hospital for treatment.
Makhubele appeals to the community or anyone with information to contact their nearest police station or 08600 10111.
