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- Police saw the alleged hijackers driving on Centurion Thursday morning.
- When they tried to intercept the vehicle, the suspects allegedly began shooting at the police, who responded to the fire.
- Two of the suspects died and two others were injured. Two policemen were also injured during the shooting.
Two suspects believed to be behind the recent wave of kidnappings in Gauteng were shot dead, while two of their accomplices were wounded during a shootout with police in Centurion on Thursday morning.
After seeing the men riding in a black BMW 135i in Centurion, members of the Gauteng Specific Crimes Trio Team began to follow the suspects.
Police spokesman Brig. Mathapelo Peters said that after observing the suspects, the police decided to intercept the vehicle, leading to the suspects allegedly firing at police who responded to the fire.
“Two suspects died while the other two were taken to hospital under police surveillance,” Peters added.
Two policemen, who were injured during the shooting, were airlifted to hospital.
“Police at the crime scene seized two rifles and a pistol, as well as the suspect’s vehicle, which has since been confirmed to have been hijacked in Honeydew, Johannesburg, in July this year.
READ | Joburg shooting: 3 suspected kidnappers killed after shooting with police
“The suspects will be charged with attempted murder, possession of firearms and ammunition without a license and possession of a hijacked vehicle.
“More charges may be added pending further investigation.”
Following the shooting and subsequent arrests, Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela issued a stern warning to criminals that the police would intensify efforts to ensure that the space in which they operated was kept to a minimum.
Mawela praised the tireless efforts of the investigation team who continued to work hard to decrease the volume of kidnappings where victims were often seriously injured or killed.
He also wished the injured officers a speedy recovery.
