By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) confirmed that three people have been shot and killed on the N12 Highway in Johannesburg.
The incident occurred on Wednesday on the N12 near Nasrec, and the area has since been closed off to traffic.
Fullview learnt that a shootout ensued between police officers and suspected robbers.
Police are currently on scene, and motorists are advised to steer clear of the area.
“All lanes are closed on the N12 West due to the crime scene. Law enforcement and emergency services are on scene, and the closure is causing heavy delays in the area, said JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla.
The South African Police Service (Saps) said the police operationalised information about suspects who had just robbed a courier vehicle in Thokoza.
Gauteng Saps spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said, “The suspects driving a silver Corolla vehicle were spotted at Kliprivier Road joining the N12 road towards Soweto when the police tried to stop them,” Nevhuhulwi said.
“They sped off, leading to a high-speed chase and shootout. The suspect vehicle came to a standstill on the N12 road between Xavier and the Soweto off-ramp.”
Three of the suspects were declared dead and one was injured. Saps found two firearms and some of the suspected stolen stock on the scene.
“Provincial police commissioner in Gauteng Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni applauded the team comprising National Counter Intelligence, Gauteng Tactical Response Team, Gauteng Traffic Police Air Wing and private security companies for their collaborative effort that ensures that criminals are put behind bars,” Nevhuhulwi said.
Meanwhile five suspects were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the hijacking, kidnapping, and murder of two women whose bodies were found in Poortjie, near the Vaal in Gauteng.
The women were reported missing on New Year’s Eve.
After a ransom demand was made to one victim’s mother, police upgraded the case to hijacking and kidnapping.
Their partially decomposed bodies were discovered in an open veld on Thursday last week.All five suspects are expected to appear in the Vereeniging Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.