Three suspects died and two were seriously injured after a high-speed chase and shootout with police officers on the R21 in Ekurhuleni on Wednesday.

Four others were arrested.

On the day, a multifunctional law enforcement team that comprised the Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation’s Tactical Operations Management Section engaged in a high-speed chase and gun battle with suspects.

According to Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo, officers from the Gauteng Traffic Saturation Unit, Ekurhuleni District Trio Tracing Team, Tracker Connect, Vision Tactical and Bad Boyz Security followed up on information received about suspects allegedly involved in the robbery of a shopping mall and courier vehicles, as well as other violent crimes.

“The suspects allegedly robbed shops at a shopping mall near Carnival City by overpowering the security guards. The police issued an alert for a silver Volkswagen Touareg and a blue BMW allegedly involved in the robbery.

“The vehicle was spotted on the R21 highway heading north toward Pretoria.”

Masondo said an operational plan was executed to stop the suspects’ vehicle.

“The suspects attempted to evade the police and a high-speed chase ensued, with the suspects opening fire on the law enforcers. Police returned fire and the suspects’ vehicle collided with a barrier.

“Three suspects were fatally wounded and the other two were transported to the hospital in critical condition. Three unlicensed firearms, ammunition and other items were recovered from the vehicle.”

Masondo explained that the preliminary investigation established that the VW SUV was reported hijacked in Brooklyn, and that one of the firearms was stolen in Isipingo.

“The second vehicle was located en route to Mamelodi where the Tshwane K9 Unit detained four suspects. More stolen items were recovered at their residences.”

Masondo said three vehicles, including a BMW One series and a Toyota Corolla, were seized on the scene.

“The suspects will soon appear in court on charges of attempted murder, possession of suspected stolen property, armed robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” Masondo concluded.