One of South Africa’s Most Wanted Criminals Killed in Shoot-Out

One of South Africa’s most wanted criminals was fatally wounded in a shoot-out with police on Friday night, 29 May.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said that members of the Tshwane Tactical Response Team (TRT), Ekurhuleni TRT and Gauteng Traffic Police were following up on intelligence-driven information that led them to the “most wanted suspect”.

The suspect was wanted in connection with cases ranging from armed robbery, business robbery, cash-in-transit robberies and car hijackings.

Upon arriving at an address in Riverside View, where officers had been informed the suspect was hiding, they allegedly knocked on the door which was then opened by the suspect’s girlfriend.

“Police tactically positioned themselves around the house,” said SAPS in a statement on Saturday. “When the suspect realised that it was the police, he allegedly fired one shot, the police returned fire and fatally wounded the suspect.”

After the incident, police searched the house and discovered a bag with nine pistols, two rifles and magazines with live ammunition.

A white Mercedes Benz AMG, suspected to have been hijacked, was also found in the yard, said SAPS.

Counterfeit goods seized in Johannesburg

In a separate multi-disciplinary operation yesterday in Johannesburg CBD, police seized counterfeit shoes and clothes worth R38 million.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela commended the work done by the Gauteng police and urged the community to continue to work with the police.

He also issued a strong warning to those who think the police are relaxing during lockdown. “Gauteng is not a place to hide,” said the statement.