Six people, including two crime intelligence officers, were recently arrested by the Hawks who were allegedly part of a syndicate linked to a series of armed robberies in Gauteng.

The Hawks released a statement saying the group was allegedly planning an armed robbery in Pretoria.

The Citizen reported investigators received a tip-off about a planned armed robbery in Tshwane by members of an alleged syndicate, and set up a sting operation that included private security personnel on Saturday.

A convoy of vehicles with fake registrations was then spotted in Hatfield by officers, said Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Philani Nkwalase.

“Upon noticing the police presence, the suspected vehicles dispersed in different directions and a chase ensued. Two suspects in a Caddy were stopped and arrested in Silverton on Pretoria Street near a petrol station.”

According to the media statement, an investigation revealed that the Volkswagen Caddy was reported stolen in Pretoria West in October 2021.

“Meanwhile another team followed a Volkswagen GTI Golf 7 that drove in high speed to evade arrest. When the police tried stopping them on Alwyn Road in Nellmapius, they allegedly shot at the police who returned fire.

“A police constable attached to Gauteng Crime Intelligence was arrested along with two other occupants in the vehicle.”

One of the suspects, a civilian wearing full police uniform, sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital where he’s under police guard.

According to the statement, an illegal firearm and ammunition were recovered as well as counterfeit Hawks regalia.

“Another constable, also from crime intelligence, was later linked to the syndicate and arrested. She was in possession of a Nissan X Trail from crime intelligence fitted with false registration which was also seized for further investigation.”

The suspects are expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The Hawks said more arrests are imminent as the investigation is ongoing.