Three suspects were shot and killed following a violent shoot-out with police at the Baccleuch Interchange on Thursday, after officers attempted to intercept vehicles linked to an alleged organised crime group.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the operation was triggered by intelligence received about “a group of men driving in three separate vehicles around the malls and they are suspected to be involved with the ‘Rolex gang’.”
Gauteng law enforcement units, including the Tactical Response Team (TRT), moved swiftly after identifying one of the vehicles travelling along the N3.
“The Gauteng Tactical Response Team spotted one of the identified vehicles along N3. They attempted to stop the vehicle, which sped off, leading to a high-speed chase and shootout between suspects and the police,” Nevhuhulwi said.
The pursuit escalated into a high-speed chase, culminating in an exchange of gunfire. The suspects’ vehicle eventually came to a standstill at the Baccleuch Interchange, where three occupants were found dead on the scene.
Police confirmed that no officers were reported injured during the confrontation.
As the scene was being processed, a second identified vehicle linked to the same group was spotted and intercepted. The driver, who was alone in the vehicle, was arrested on the spot.
“The driver who was alone in the car was arrested and will be charged with conspiracy to commit robbery,” Nevhuhulwi said.
Authorities said multiple law enforcement units were involved in the coordinated operation, including the Gauteng Tactical Response Team, the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit, the Gauteng Traffic Air Wing, and private security partners.
“The collaboration between various law enforcement agencies and private security companies continue to produce positive results in the fight against crime,” Nevhuhulwi added.
The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests have not been ruled out.
IOL News
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
