Gauteng police have arrested two men, aged 47 and 52, in connection with an attempted robbery, attempted murder and the possession of ammunition following a violent attack on a security officer in Silverton on Tuesday.
According to police, the incident occurred after a security officer collected cash from a gambling establishment and headed towards a company vehicle parked in the driveway.
Police said the officer came under attack moments later.
“It is alleged that a security officer had collected cash from the gambling establishment and proceeded to the driveway where the company vehicle was parked,” police said.
“As he was walking towards the vehicle, he suddenly came under gunfire from armed suspects.”
Authorities said the security officer reacted quickly and managed to avoid the robbery.
“The security officer acted swiftly by returning to the cash office, where he safely secured the money. The suspects fled the scene in a gold Volkswagen Amarok double-cab bakkie,” police said.
Police officers responding to the scene recovered multiple spent cartridges, including AK-47 rifle ammunition and nine 9mm cartridges, highlighting the heavily armed nature of the attack.
A vehicle matching the description of the suspects’ getaway vehicle was later spotted by members of the Highway Patrol, triggering a pursuit that led officers to Nellmapius.
The gold Volkswagen Amarok was subsequently found parked inside a locked garage at a residential property.
During a search of the premises, police recovered pistol ammunition in one room and live R5 rifle ammunition concealed inside a shoebox. One suspect was arrested inside the house, while a second suspect was tracked down a few houses away after allegedly hiding in another residence.
“One suspect was found inside the house and arrested by Highway Patrol members. A second suspect was located a few houses away, where he had allegedly hidden inside another residence. He was also arrested.”
The two suspects are expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on charges of attempted robbery, attempted murder and possession of ammunition.
Police said investigations into the incident are continuing.
IOL News
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
