Johannesburg - A suspected robber was fatally shot and another wounded after police received information that their gang was about to rob Jabulani Mall in Soweto Monday morning.
Lieutenant-Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said national crime intelligence and the Tactical Response Team were following up on information that a gang was planning an armed robbery when the shootout took place.
“While the suspects were on their way and travelling in three vehicles, they were confronted by the police near Jabulani police station,” he said.
The suspected thugs were travelling in two Toyota minibuses and a Toyota Corolla. The Corolla crashed into a road barrier during the shootout.
A man, who was shot near the entrance of Bheki Mlangeni Hospital, died inside the facility. Another, who was wounded, was under police guard in hospital.
Nine others had been arrested and detained at Jabulani police station.
“The suspects are being profiled as it is suspected they are a group involved in serious and violent crimes,” Dlamini said.
The three vehicles were impounded and police also seized three rifles and three pistols.
Bolani Road was filled with police officers throughout the morning as three separate crime scene areas were cordoned off.
Many spent bullet cartridges, which had been circled by police investigators, lay in the road.
Later on Monday, a police helicopter landed at the scene and left with police forensic investigators wearing white overalls.
Dlamini was unable to say at that stage which store in the mall had been targeted in the attempted robbery.
Meanwhile, two men were injured on Monday during a shootout on Tom Jones Road under the highway in Benoni.
ER24 paramedics arrived at the scene shortly before 11am.
“Paramedics found two men lying next to one of the light motor vehicles.”
“One man had sustained a gunshot wound to the neck and the second man had sustained two to his chest,” said ER24 spokesman Russel Meiring.
“ER24 paramedics immediately began treatment and provided the patients with advanced life support interventions.”
“Once treated, both patients were transported to Tembisa Hospital under police supervision.”
@Gabi_Falanga
The Star