A joint operation between members of the South African Police Service and the Metro police led to the arrest of at least four suspects near the N17 on Wemmer Pan Road (near Rosettenville) on 1 June.
The suspects were wanted in connection with a murder and eight attempted murders that occurred near a dumping site in Booysens.
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Captain Xoli Mbele, spokesperson for Johannesburg Central Police Station, told City Buzz that the suspects, aged between 22 and 32, allegedly shot at residents at the Booysens squatter camp, on 12 May. Eight people were injured. The victims were treated at a hospital in Joburg and discharged.
Commenting on the arrests, Mbele said, “At about 5.30pm on 1 June, police received a tip-off about suspects wanted in connection with the attempted murder of eight people at an informal settlement in Wemmer Pan. The suspects were allegedly also linked to a murder that occurred on 30 May at a nearby dumping site when a 30-year-old man was allegedly stabbed and shot several times. Paramedics declared the man dead on the scene.
“When police cornered the suspects at the dumping site, they fled into a nearby bush and fired shots at the police. With the help of the K9 unit, one suspect was subdued while his three accomplices handed themselves over. Three illegal firearms and ammunition were recovered in the process. No police officers sustained any injuries during the stand-off.”
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Mbele said the three firearms were previously reported as stolen at the Kempton Park Police Station on 6 September 2005, the Moffatview Police Station on 24 May, and the Johannesburg Central Police Station on 9 March.
The suspects will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on 5 June. In addition, police asked victims who weren’t injured and any other witnesses, to come forward with information or alternatively, contact the investigating officer in the case.
Details: Detective Elliot Msibi 073 713 6084.
