Police Ministe
By Lerato Mpembe
Johannesburg, Gauteng – 02 April 2025 – Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has praised the Gauteng police for their decisive operations in Soweto, which resulted in the deaths of six criminals and the arrest of six others on Tuesday, 01 April 2025. The operations, involving shootouts with suspected cash-in-transit robbers and robbers targeting RAM Courier vans, led to the seizure of firearms, ammunition, and a hijacked vehicle. Mchunu hailed the outcomes as a significant step forward in reducing violent crime in the province, stating, “The fatal wounding of six suspects means we are now less six active criminals who were waiting to commit murder and robbery.”
The incidents occurred in two separate locations in Soweto—Elias Motshoaledi Road towards Dobsonville and Moletsane—highlighting the police’s proactive efforts to dismantle organised crime networks in Gauteng, a region long plagued by high crime rates. The minister’s remarks underscore the government’s focus on tackling murders and the availability of firearms, priorities he emphasized for the current financial year.
Details of the Soweto Operations
Dobsonville: Cash-in-Transit Robbers Neutralised
The first operation unfolded on Elias Motshoaledi Road towards Dobsonville, where police intercepted a group of suspected cash-in-transit robbers. A shootout ensued, resulting in the deaths of two suspects. Five others were apprehended at the scene. Police ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi reported that the team recovered significant evidence, stating, “Among the recovered items were one R5 rifle, two pistols, and a Mercedes Benz C200 that had been hijacked.” The seizure of the hijacked vehicle points to the sophisticated nature of the criminal group, which likely relied on stolen assets to carry out their activities.
Moletsane: RAM Courier Van Robbery Thwarted
In the second incident, police responded to a robbery targeting two RAM Courier vans in Moletsane. The suspects had already stolen stock from the vans when law enforcement arrived. A firefight broke out as police intercepted the group, leading to the fatal wounding of four suspects and the arrest of one additional individual. Mogotsi noted, “Some of the stolen stock was recovered from the boot of one of the vehicles. The team also recovered four pistols from the scene.” The swift response prevented further loss and ensured that some of the stolen goods were returned.
In total, seven firearms—including one R5 rifle and six pistols—were seized across the two operations, a move Mchunu highlighted as critical to reducing the availability of illegal weapons in communities. “The seizing of a total of seven firearms means the removal of those firearms from our communities,” he said.
Mchunu’s Praise and Condemnation of Crime
Minister Mchunu commended the Gauteng police for their bravery and coordination, attributing the success of the operations to their dedication. “The success of these operations is a testament to the dedication and coordination of our law enforcement agencies, who continue to protect citizens from dangerous criminals involved in organised crime,” he stated. He further condemned the criminal activities plaguing Gauteng, reinforcing the government’s resolve to ensure safety and security.
The minister linked the outcomes to the police’s strategic priorities for the financial year, which focus on reducing murders and curbing the proliferation of firearms. “The two—murders and the availability of firearms—are in line with our priorities this financial year. These actions underscore our commitment to tackling violent crime and ensuring that criminals are brought to justice,” Mchunu added. The operations reflect a broader effort to address Gauteng’s status as a hotspot for violent crime, despite a national decrease in murder rates in late 2024.
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