By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Four suspects in an armed robbery have been killed in a shootout with police in Alberton, East of Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Traffic is reported to be backed up as the R59 road is closed for police and crime scene investigators to do their work.
Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni, who was present at the scene, said the officers were forced into action to prevent a threat.
“It was a crime intelligence-led operation where they systematically assembled a team. Ultimately, they attempted to stop them. During the attempt to stop them, the suspects started firing at the officers, and police retaliated.”
He said the swift intervention showcased their heightened readiness against violent crime in the province, where armed robberies have been a growing concern.
Further investigations are underway to determine if the suspects are connected to other recent criminal activities in the area.
Earlier this week, seven suspects were arrested by police and private security shortly after they robbed a jewellery shop in Clearwater Mall, Roodepoort.