A co-ordinated, intelligence-driven operation in Rabie Ridge, on December 20, has dealt a significant blow to a gang linked to a spate of airport-following armed robberies in Gauteng.

The operation culminated in a dramatic shootout, in which one suspect was fatally wounded, while two others fled the scene and remain the subject of an intensive manhunt.

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According to the Suburban Control Centre, the operation followed intelligence that a group of suspects was actively conducting airport-following armed robberies using an Audi A4. The suspect vehicle was located in the Midrand area, triggering a multi-agency response.

Units involved in the operation included SAPS Counter Intelligence from head office, the Gauteng Tactical Response Team, SAPS Pretoria Airwing, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, CAP Specialised Operations, Tracker Connect, Gemini Global Defence, and other role players.

“When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, a high-speed chase and shootout ensued,” stated the security company. “The vehicle eventually came to a standstill in Rabie Ridge, where the suspects exited the vehicle and continued firing at officers.”

One suspect was fatally wounded during the exchange of gunfire. Two others fled on foot into nearby veld areas, prompting an ongoing search operation. Local hospitals have been placed on alert in case the fleeing suspects seek medical treatment.

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Investigators later confirmed that the same suspects were allegedly involved in an earlier armed robbery in Midrand, where a victim who had arrived from OR Tambo International Airport was followed to a hotel and shot during the robbery. The victim was taken to the hospital and is reported to be in a stable condition.

Several items were recovered at the scene, including the Audi A4 believed to have been used in the commission of the crimes, unlicensed firearms and ammunition, gloves, a hammer, and cell phones. False registration plates were also identified on the vehicle.

The Audi A4 has since been booked into a designated SAPS pound for further forensic and investigative processing.

Ekurhuleni District Police spokesperson Captain Nelda Sekgobela has been contacted to confirm details of the shootout and arrests. Police feedback is awaited, and further updates will be published as soon as official confirmation is received.

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