Three suspects were arrested and one police detective was killed in a dramatic incident involving attempted robbery and high-speed chase in Belfast.

According to Brigadier Donald Mdhluli media spokesperson of the Provincial Office, the killed detective was also a suspect in the attempted robbery.

The incident took place around 22:00 on Friday. The three suspects aged between 30 and 42, were arrested by members of the Anti Hijack Task Team, and the Middelburg K9 Unit after an attempted robbery.

According to the report, a group of armed individuals, who falsely claimed to be police officers, took advantage of the VW Polo that had stopped on the side of the road.

The passengers had stepped out of the car, when they were held at gunpoint by the suspects, and instructed to lie on the ground.

To their luck, members of the Police were on patrol around that area, following reports of similar incidents. These members on directives from the SAPS Operational Plans were working that night to prevent similar robberies from recurring.

According to Brigadier Mdhluli the members of the Police acted swiftly by coming closer and introducing themselves as police officers.

The suspects unexpectedly, began firing shots at the police officers, while attempting to flee the scene in a white Datsun Go, with Mpumalanga registration plates. One of the suspects fled on foot.

A high-speed chase ensued, leading to the suspects’ car crashing into a tree at Bhekumuzi Masango Drive.

One of the suspects, a police officer from Pienaar SAPS, aged 54, was found dead in the car.

An investigation into the cause of his death is currently underway, although it is suspected that he could have sustained injuries during the shootout.

Two firearms and ammunition were also recovered on the scene.

The suspect who fled on foot was arrested near the N4 towards Machadodorp.

The suspects are facing various charges including attempted car hijacking, robbery with a firearm, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms with ammunition.

More charges could be added against the suspects as the investigations continue.

The suspects are expected to appear at the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

An investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), into this incident, in currently underway.

According to Brigadier Mdlhuli, the police also recovered a police van, a Toyota Hilux from Pienaar Detectives on a nearby farm. The vehicle was being used by the deceased detective for standby duties.

The possibility that the state vehicle could have been used without authoritisation cannot be ruled out at this stage of the investigations.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi , commended the bravery of the SAPS members involved in this operation.

“It is a shameful act when an individual sworn to uphold the law is found on the other side of it. As the SAPS, we distance ourselves from any criminality. It is either our members are with us against crime or consequences will follow for their criminal activities, as one cannot serve two masters. It is time they ship in or ship out,” cautioned the General.