The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, has commended the Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP) officers and other law enforcement agencies, for arresting a suspect linked to murder and two cash-in transit robberies and for foiling possible robberies in Westrand.
This follows the arrest of a heavily armed suspect and the recovery of a high caliber AK47 rifle, 34 rifle ammunition, two empty magazines and one 9mm empty magazine on Friday afternoon, 26 March 2021.
During a multi-disciplinary operation along the N12- R501 crossing, next to Lebanon in Westonaria area West Rand, the officers attempted to stop a white Porsche motor vehicle. The driver of the Porsche, who was with three passengers, decided to disobey a lawful instruction and proceeded driving. The GTP officers and other law enforcement officers pursued the vehicle, which was heading towards the R28 direction to Randfontein and proceeded to Mohlakeng.
“While driving in Mohlakeng township, the four occupants from the Porsche jumped out of the moving vehicle and opened fire, while running in different directions. A shootout ensued when officers reacted, however no injuries were sustained in the process,” said Mazibuko.
One suspect, aged 44, was apprehended at the scene while the other three are still at large. The apprehended suspect was later linked to a cash-in-transit robbery and murder in Evaton, a cash-in-transit robbery in Klerksdorp and other violent crimes. The suspect was also found with empty bags, which looked as if the bags were ready to be loaded with something. The search for more suspects and investigation in this case is continuing.
“We commend the Gauteng Traffic Police and other law enforcement officers for apprehending this dangerous criminal and for foiling a possible robbery in the West Rand corridor. The latest success augurs well in addressing the proliferation of illegal high caliber firearms which are used in the commission of most crimes, especially trio crimes which continues to threaten the peace and stability of Gauteng residents,” said Mazibuko.
The MEC has appealed to the members of the public to assist the police in apprehending the remaining three suspects who are still at large.
