Two suspected armed robbers were fatally wounded during a shootout with police in Reiger Park, Boksburg, as Gauteng law enforcement agencies intensified efforts to dismantle vehicle hijacking and truck robbery syndicates operating across the province.
The operation, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and supported by several law enforcement and private security partners, followed intelligence linking a group of suspects to a series of truck and courier vehicle robberies.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Gauteng, officers identified a vehicle believed to be connected to the suspects in Boksburg on 8 June. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver allegedly sped away, triggering a high-speed chase.
Police said the pursuit escalated into a shootout before the suspects’ vehicle eventually came to a halt near an informal settlement in Reiger Park.
Two suspects reportedly fled on foot into the settlement and remain at large, while two others were found fatally wounded inside the vehicle.
During the exchange of gunfire, one police vehicle sustained damage to its windscreen. No officers were injured.
SAPS said members involved in the incident would receive counselling and support through the Employee Health and Wellness Programme.
Police recovered two unlicensed firearms and a Mazda vehicle at the scene.
The operation continued beyond the shootout, leading investigators to a property in Germiston believed to have been used as a safe house by the suspects.
At the residence, officers recovered a Chevrolet Captiva SUV that was confirmed to have been stolen during a robbery case investigated in Booysens. Authorities also seized several false vehicle registration plates allegedly used in criminal activities.
Investigators are now working to determine whether the suspects can be linked to additional crimes across Gauteng.
The latest incident forms part of a broader crackdown on organised violent crime in the province. Gauteng police have in recent weeks intensified intelligence-driven operations targeting hijacking syndicates, illegal firearms and violent criminal networks. Last month, a similar operation in Winchester Hills resulted in five suspects being arrested and one fatally wounded after a hijacking victim was rescued during a police interception.
Police have also reported significant successes through large-scale operations. Over the past week alone, Operation Shanela led to more than 1,000 arrests across Gauteng, while officers recovered unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
The province, however, continues to grapple with serious violent crime. Just days ago, Gauteng police launched a manhunt after an off-duty Public Order Policing officer and a civilian were shot and killed in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni. The motive for that attack remains under investigation.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Tommy Mthombeni, commended the multi-disciplinary team involved in Monday’s operation.
He praised members of the Gauteng Tactical Response Team, Crime Intelligence, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, CAP Specialised Operations, Tracker Connect and Gemini Global Defense for their swift response and ongoing commitment to combating crime.
Mthombeni also thanked community members for providing information that often leads to arrests and major crime breakthroughs.
“Most of the arrests and crime busts are due to community tip-offs,” police said.
Authorities have urged members of the public to continue reporting criminal activity through their nearest police stations, the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111, or anonymously via the MySAPS App.
Investigations into the Reiger Park shootout and the broader criminal network linked to the suspects are continuing.
