Four suspected armed robbers were shot dead in a police shootout in Yeoville during a crime intelligence-led operation targeting a gang accused of preying on travellers from OR Tambo International Airport.
A fifth suspect was wounded and arrested, while three unlicensed firearms and ammunition were recovered at the scene following the early morning operation at about 05:30 on Wednesday.
According to police, the suspects were travelling in a Suzuki Swift fitted with false registration plates when officers moved in to intercept them after receiving intelligence linking the group to a string of violent airport-related robberies.
Spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said the suspects allegedly attempted to evade arrest, sparking a high-speed chase that escalated into a shootout.
“A crime intelligence-driven operation resulted in four suspected armed robbers being fatally wounded, one suspect injured and arrested, and three firearms recovered during an early morning operation on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, in Yeoville.”
She added that when officers moved in to intercept the vehicle in Yeoville, the suspects sped off, triggering a high-speed chase that escalated into a shootout with police.
Sibeko said four suspects succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while the injured suspect remains under police guard.
Police have opened cases of murder, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The Serious and Violent Crimes Investigations unit is now leading the probe, working closely with Crime Intelligence to profile the suspects and establish possible links to other cases.
“The recovered firearms will be taken for ballistic testing to determine whether they have not been used in other criminal activities,” Sibeko said.
The operation involved a coordinated response from SAPS Counter Intelligence, the Gauteng Tactical Response Team (TRT), Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, CAP Specialised Operations, and Tracker Connect, following intelligence that flagged the group as allegedly being behind a series of armed robberies.
Police have urged the public to report criminal activity to SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS Application.
The Star
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