A Bystander shot in during a joint operation between Johannesburg Trio Task Team, K9, Metro police and members of Brixton police which ended with the arrest of four suspects allegedly involved in robbing a garage being arrested on 15 July. According to Brixton police’s spokesperson Jeanette Backhoff, the operation was held to follow up on information received after the suspects robbed a garage, its staff and all customers on 13 July. She said, “Video footage of the incident was obtained and one of the vehicles used at the crime scene was identified and information was followed up.” According to Backhoff, the robbery took place shortly before 9am when five suspects armed with handguns entered the garage. While demanding cash and cell phones from the staff and its clients, the suspects saw a reaction officer of a security company.” The officer stopped at the garage to fill his vehicle up when the suspects spotted him. They overpowered the officer and shot at him twice, taking his firearm with them before fleeing the scene.” On the way to the identified address, the team spotted the vehicle with four men inside and tried to stop it but the suspects started shooting at them. “The police members retaliated and three of the four suspects who were inside the vehicle were shot while one ran away. A bystander was also fatally wounded.” The three involved in the shootout were arrested and late placed under police guard in hospital while the fourth suspect was eventually found and arrested. One firearm and 35 rounds of ammunition were recovered at the scene. Charges of attempted murder, murder and business robbery have been opened against them.
