An investigation is underway into an armed robbery and the attempted murder of police officers following a violent shootout at the Tshepiso Crossing Shopping Centre. The incident, which took place on July 10, occurred during a raid on the Coztco Wholesale Shop, where an Express ATM was stolen.

The security guard on duty was ambushed by two unidentified armed men who demanded to know if he was working alone. After he confirmed that he was, the suspects forced open the shop’s main door, took him inside, and ordered him to lie on the floor.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Matebello Tlokolo said that while the suspects were busy removing the ATM, gunshots were heard outside.

“The suspects managed to remove the ATM and load it onto the van parked outside the shop. The suspects, who were more than 15, were using three vehicles: a white Toyota Quantum, a Ford Ranger, and a Toyota single-cab bakkie.”

Boipatong police patrolling the area at the time came across a white Quantum without registration parked on the road.

“The police decided to stop and search the vehicle. Before the police got out of the vehicle, they heard gunshots coming in their direction. One male suspect was coming towards the police while shooting at them.”

A police officer and a suspect were injured in the shootout, which also left a police patrol vehicle damaged. Although all of the suspects initially managed to flee the scene, one was later arrested in Kibler Park.

An intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest after Midvaal Raptors and Lapua Strike Force Security noted that one of the suspect vehicles had triggered a licence plate recognition camera whilst travelling north on the R82.

This information enabled a coordinated takedown. Sergeant Tlokolo confirmed that the investigation remains active.