The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) said that five suspected robbers were shot dead during a gun fire with police in Mpumalanga. Colonel Katlego Mogale, a spokesman for Hawks stated that the operation was a part of a probe into planned ATM bombings in the Witbank region.
Police followed the suspects to a safe house in Schoongezicht, Emalahleni based on intelligence. When officers tried to stop the suspect’s white Toyota Hilux after they were notified of its presence, the suspects fired bullets sparking a shootout. One suspect was hurt while five others were executed.
Colonel Katlego Mogale reported that one person was taken into custody. “The team was following up on information received regarding ATM bombing that was to transpire in the area,” he added.
An R5 rifle, a hunting rifle with a scope, three 9mm pistols and explosives were recovered on the scene. The bakkie in which the suspects were travelling was seized.
The gang reportedly came together at a safe house in Schoongezicht, Emalahleni and were guided by the Hawk’s Tactical Management Operational Section (TOMS), the SAPS Special Task Force (STF) and Falcon Risk Security.
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“The multi-disciplinary team were strategically posted to be on the lookout for a white Toyota Hilux received in the intelligence information. The identified vehicle was spotted driving out from the area, and when the team attempted to stop the vehicle, suspects opened fire and a shootout ensued,” Mogale said.
National head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya praised the work of the TOMS and STF. He said, “A call is made to potential robbers to withdraw from such activities as these behaviours always attract dire consequences. The team shall always be on alert.”
