A gang notorious for terrorising businesses throughout the West Rand was halted when two of its members were arrested following a shootout with police and security companies in Fleurhof on Tuesday, November 18.

According to Help24 Secure operations director Quinton Swart, the incident occurred after a vehicle known to be used by the robbers was spotted in Florida.

“Several business robberies over the past few months throughout the West Rand prompted an investigation by Fidelity ADT’s Business Intelligence Centre (FBIC) to study their movements and the vehicles used by the group,” he says.

One of their vehicles was spotted driving in Florida, and an operational team consisting of the West Rand K9 Unit, Help24 Tactical Response Unit, Tracker SA, and Fidelity ADT FBIC was convened to track it.

“The vehicle was picked up. It was fitted with false number plates, indicating that they might have been on their way to commit another robbery.”

West Rand K9 Unit liaison officer, Warrant Officer Reinier Henning, adds that a tactical plan to stop the vehicle was executed in Hebbard Street.

“Unfortunately, the suspects managed to push through the trap, and a shootout ensued. The vehicle came to a stop a short distance away, and the suspects attempted to flee on foot.

“Two of the suspects – one wounded – were arrested, and a third suspect managed to escape.”

The wounded man was transported under police guard to the hospital, while the other suspect was taken into custody by the West Rand K9 Unit.

Henning adds that police recovered a firearm and various other pieces of evidence from the crime scene.

“These suspects are expected to be positively linked to various business robberies.

“One of the suspects was found to have already been involved in court proceedings for armed robbery.”