An alleged robber was killed during a shoot-out with members of the Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) following an armed robbery at Ackermans in Centurion. JMPD spokesperson, Superintendent Xolani Fihla, confirmed that the mobile phones taken in the robbery were recovered.
On Wednesday, May 8, officers from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s Tactical Response Unit were on a routine crime prevention patrol when they received a complaint of a business robbery in progress. The suspects had reportedly robbed an Ackermans store at a mall in Centurion, during which one customer was shot.
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The robbers fled the scene in a silver Toyota Corolla. Witnesses at the scene were able to provide a partial registration number of the robbers’ getaway vehicle. The officers promptly positioned themselves on the M1 South, on the lookout for the suspects’ vehicle with five male occupants. The vehicle was spotted, and the officers initiated a pursuit.
Upon attempting to stop the suspects’ vehicle by activating the blue lights and sirens, the suspects opened fire on the officers and sped off, leading to a high-speed chase. Despite this, the officers continued to pursue the suspects.
The chase led the suspects to take the Marlboro off-ramp and turn into Old Pretoria Main Road. However, they lost control of their vehicle during the pursuit. In a desperate attempt to escape, the suspects abandoned their vehicle and continued to shoot at the officers. In the exchange of fire, one suspect was wounded.
The wounded suspect was declared dead at the scene by Gauteng Provincial Government paramedics. Four other suspects managed to evade capture and are still at large. Two unlicensed firearms with filed-off serial numbers were recovered at the scene.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and businesses in Johannesburg. JMPD officers will continue to work tirelessly to prevent and combat crime in the city.
Superintendent Xolani Fihla emphasised the dedication of the JMPD in maintaining law and order. The recovery of the stolen cell phones and the apprehension of one suspect demonstrate their commitment to bringing criminals to justice and protecting the community.
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Incidents like these highlight the importance of effective crime prevention and the need for law enforcement agencies to work closely with the public. The cooperation of witnesses in providing crucial information enabled the officers to swiftly respond and pursue the suspects.
The JMPD encourages residents and businesses to report any suspicious activities or crimes to ensure a safer environment for all. By working together, law enforcement and the community can make a significant impact in reducing crime rates and enhancing public safety.
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