Ten suspects have been arrested, and nine firearms recovered following a shootout between police and suspected criminals in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg.

The suspects, aged between 30 and 54, were arrested on Monday night after police members encountered a suspicious Hyundai H100 fitted with blue lights and a siren while conducting patrols in the area.

The incident happened at about 7.36 pm on September 21.

According to Gauteng police, officers became suspicious of the vehicle after noticing that it repeatedly stopped whenever police approached, before driving off when officers attempted to intercept it.

Police called for backup and continued following the vehicle.

The situation escalated when the Hyundai eventually stopped, and three suspects allegedly got out of the vehicle and opened fire on the police.

A shootout followed between the suspects and police.

Two of the suspects allegedly managed to flee from the scene on foot, while a third suspect was fatally wounded during the exchange of gunfire.

Police then searched the Hyundai H100 and discovered 10 suspects inside the vehicle.

Nine firearms, magazines and live ammunition were recovered during the operation.

Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said investigations were continuing following the arrests and recovery of the weapons.

“Police members were conducting patrols when they noticed a suspicious Hyundai H100 fitted with blue lights and a siren. The vehicle repeatedly stopped when police approached and drove off whenever members attempted to intercept it,” said Sibeko.

She said police called for backup and continued monitoring the vehicle until it eventually stopped.

“Three suspects allegedly jumped out and opened fire at the police. A shootout ensued between the police and the suspects. Two suspects fled the scene on foot, while a third suspect was fatally shot,” Sibeko said.

Police subsequently searched the vehicle, where they found the other suspects and recovered the firearms and ammunition.

The Cleveland police station has opened several cases in connection with the incident, including murder, attempted murder, attempted business robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

The motive behind the suspected business robbery and the circumstances leading to the confrontation with police form part of the ongoing investigation.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear before court soon.

Police are also continuing with investigations to establish the identities and whereabouts of the two suspects who allegedly fled the scene following the shootout.

Sibeko said the investigation would also seek to establish whether the recovered firearms and vehicle are linked to other crimes.

The recovery of nine firearms and ammunition is expected to form an important part of the police investigation as detectives work to establish the suspects’ alleged involvement in the various offences.

The deceased suspect’s identity has not been released.

Police have urged anyone with information that could assist investigators to come forward.

The suspects remain in police custody pending their first court appearances, where they are expected to face charges arising from the incident.