A security guard was shot dead when the police foiled a transit robbery and a shootout broke out between the police and robbers.
According to Brig. Athlenda Mathe, police spokesperson, received information about a planned transit robbery in KwaZulu-Natal and a heavily armed group of suspects was subsequently stopped in Vrede in the Free State.
“The police followed up intelligence when a shootout broke out between the police and suspects. A 40-year-old security guard was shot dead when the suspects opened fire. A shootout ensued and the suspects’ car overturned.”
It has been established that the car was earlier hijacked in Wierdabrug, Centurion.
“Two of the suspects were wounded at the scene and arrested. The police confiscated an AK47 and an R5, as well as ammunition.”
Mathe said another group of suspects was stopped in Memel about 52 km from Vrede. “Three suspects were arrested while others got away. A search has meanwhile been launched for those who fled the scene.” Two vehicles were seized.
