A suspected criminal was killed in a highway shootout with a security company on Wednesday morning.
According to Kyle van Reenen from Emer-G-Med Paramedics, they responded to the scene of a single vehicle crash on the Garsfontein bridge in Pretoria.
“On arrival on scene multiple security vehicles were found securing the scene as a single light motor vehicle lay on its side,” Van Reenen said.
“Further inspection found a single male occupant in the vehicle with a fatal gunshot wound. He was declared dead on arrival of paramedics.”
Van Reenen said reports from the scene are that the security company was pursuing a suspect when a shootout ensued, resulting in the armed suspect being shot dead.
Details leading up to the shooting are not known.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) were in attendance and will be conducting the necessary investigation, accordingly.”
National police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said police attended to a scene where an alleged house robbery suspect was fatally wounded after a shootout with private security officers
“It is reported that the security officers were alerted about the house robbery that had just happened in Sinoville, Pretoria.
“As they were responding, the security officers spotted the Range Rover that was taken from the victims during the house robbery and tried to stop it.
“The driver sped off, and high speed chase ensued until the Range Rover overturned on the N1, Garsfontein Offramp.
“It is further alleged that the suspect jumped out of the overturned vehicle and shootout ensued. The suspect was fatally wounded.”
Masondo said upon arrival at the scene, police found a firearm, with serial numbers filled off, next to the deceased.
“Police have opened a case of murder, attempted murder and house robbery for further investigation. A search for other suspects is underway.”
In another incident, Limpopo police recovered stolen property, following a shootout with suspects on Tuesday morning.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the items are believed to be linked to recent reported burglaries in the area.
“The police were busy performing crime prevention duties when they spotted a suspicious white Isuzu bakkie about 2am in Makurung village, travelling towards Lebowakgomo,” Mashaba said.
“They then attempted to stop the vehicle, but the suspects sped off. They gave chase, and the suspects opened fire on the police. Following a brief exchange of gunfire, the six suspects managed to evade arrest by fleeing the scene on foot.”
Mashaba said the recovered stolen items include a computer, cellphones, bank cards, driver's license and liquor.
IOL News
This story has been updated to include comment from the South African Police Services (SAPS).