By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Police Services (SAPS) confirmed two of South Africa’s most wanted cash-in-transit and murder suspects have been shot dead during a shootout with police in Boksburg, East of Johannesburg.
The Hawks’ tracing unit, working with Crime Intelligence and private security, tracked the suspects to the house, where a gun battle broke out on Saturday afternoon.
It’s understood that the duo was part of a gang involved in a cash-in-transit heist in KwaZulu-Natal last weekend.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said, the suspects are linked to cases in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provinces.”
Masondo said firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, were recovered.
“Fortunately, no members of the Saps were harmed during the incident.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni said the operation involved various police units, security companies, and counterintelligence forces.
“Since the start of the year, 76 such incidents have been recorded nationwide, with 18 security guards tragically killed since January 2024”.
Mthombeni said operations had increasingly required advanced surveillance and intelligence-sharing to track potential suspects.
He added that to counteract the surge, Gauteng has been divided into north and south working teams to bolster efforts, enhance police visibility.