Shoot-out on M1 Killarney

UPDATE: 22 October, 1.45pm:

The sound of the gunshots during the Killarney shootout sounded like a war zone.

This is according to resident Sarah Kaminski who commented on our facebook page.

“I can’t tell you muchmore just that there were a huge amount of gun shots, police sirens and lots of helicopter activity. I did not venture out of my apartment,” she said.

Did you hear the commotion? Comment on our Facebook page and tell us of your experience.

UPDATE – 23 October, 1.30pm:

According to Dlamini, at 9am while on patrol at Pretoria’s Bosman taxi rank, police spotted a suspicious-looking taxi.

“The police approached the driver, and a commotion followed. The driver sped away, and was chased by the police’s tactical response team,” he said.

The taxi made its way to the highway and sped toward Johannesburg. En route, the taxi collided with two vehicles.

“The response team chased the taxi to the Joe Slove offramp on the M1 South, and called in the assistance of the police helicopter,” he said.

Dlamini said the shoot-out then ensued.

“The driver was shot in the leg, and the passenger, who is also involved in taxi operations, fled. The driver was taken to hospital, where he is under police guard. He has been charged with attempted murder,” he said.

The police believe the suspect on the loose is armed.

“We suspect this incident is connected to taxi violence,” said Dlamini.

UPDATE – 22 October, 12.30pm:

Although details are still sketchy, it is reported that the shooting was the result of a police chase involving a taxi, which started in Pretoria and culminated on the M1 at Joe Slovo Drive.

About 30 shots were reported to have been fired.

According to out reporter at the scene, the driver and a passenger in the taxi where shot. They have been hospitalised and remain under police guard.

It is not yet clear who shot who.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini is expected to arrive on the scene soon, after which it is hoped that more information will be made available.

22 October, 12pm:

“Huge shootout! Literally hundreds of shots,” tweeted @KevinD_SA.

Looklocal Rosebank Killarney BBM contact Aubrey said, “Avoid M1 South by Houghton off-ramp. One suspect shot. [Helicopter] landing.”

Hillbrow police spokesperson Constable Mduduzi Zondo confirmed a shooting incident had taken place. He said he would provide further details once at the scene.

Motorists were advised to avoid the M1, and use Louis Botha Avenue and Oxford Roads as alternative routes.