PARKTOWN – It is all boots on the ground for members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure all citizens and visitors are safe and feel safe this festive season. Provincial Commissioner of police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela commended the team involved in the arrest of three suspects yesterday; this success follows days after the provincial launch of Operation Safer Festive Season.

On Tuesday, 08 November 2022 police in Gauteng with the assistance of Fidelity and CAP Security apprehended three suspects in Morningside and recovered an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, cellphones and a stolen vehicle.

A team comprising of detectives from Gauteng Provincial Head Office’s Serious and Violent Crime (SVC) unit and members of Johannesburg K9 unit operationalised information they obtained on suspects who are allegedly linked to a series of crime involving house robberies and hijackings. Security officials from Fidelity and CAP Security also formed part of the team.

The team positively identified the suspects’ vehicle in Morningside, but the suspects sped off and a chase ensued. The suspects fired shots at the members and the members retaliated; the vehicle was shortly after intercepted.

The members found an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and cellphones. Further investigation revealed that the suspects’ vehicle is linked to a house robbery incident which was reported at SAPS Sandringham.

The three suspects sustained injuries during the shootout with the police and currently under police guard while receiving medical treatment.

“Community members must rest assured that our members will leave no stone unturned in bringing perpetrators to book this festive season and beyond,” said Lt Gen Mawela.

Source: South African Police Service