Police
By Mpho Moloi
Six suspects were fatally wounded in a fierce shootout with Police in Germiston on 7 September 2024. The incident occurred following an attempted cross-pavement robbery in the Germiston CBD, which led to a high-speed chase and a deadly exchange of gunfire between the suspects and a specialised police task team. This confrontation highlights the ongoing efforts by South African law enforcement agencies to curb organised criminal activities, particularly cash-in-transit (CIT) heists.
Attempted Cross-Pavement Robbery in Germiston CBD
The attempted robbery unfolded after police received intelligence about a planned cross-pavement robbery. According to police spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, “Information was received regarding a cross-pavement robbery that was going to take place in the Germiston CBD area.”
A coordinated response by an integrated multi-disciplinary task team was immediately launched, comprising members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Tactical Operational Management Section (TOMS), the South African Police Service’s Major Directorate of Crime (MDOC) CIT Team, Gauteng Tactical Response Team (TRT), the Gauteng Tracking Team 2, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, the Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit, and private security firm Tracker Connect, among others.
The collaborative efforts of these various units demonstrated South Africa’s heightened focus on tackling violent crime and CIT heists. As they were deployed in the Germiston area, they were alerted to an armed robbery in progress at Top Bets, where security company G4S was targeted.
High-Speed Chase and Shootout
Law enforcement officers were provided with a lookout for the suspects’ vehicle, described as a grey Hyundai ix35. “The members started looking for the suspects’ vehicle and spotted it driving recklessly through the area,” said Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, spokesperson for Gauteng Police. When officers attempted to pull over the vehicle, the suspects opened fire.
A harrowing chase ensued, with both sides exchanging gunfire as the suspects desperately tried to escape. The situation reached a climax when the suspects’ vehicle lost control and crashed into a pole. Officers returned fire in self-defence, and six of the suspects were fatally wounded during the intense gun battle. One of the suspects, critically injured, was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Weapons and Stolen Vehicle Recovered
Following the shootout, police recovered a significant haul of weapons and other evidence at the scene. An AK-47 assault rifle, four handguns, and a cash trolley were confiscated, underscoring the high level of sophistication and firepower often employed by CIT robbers.
Additionally, the vehicle used by the suspects was identified as a stolen Hyundai ix35, taken during a separate incident in Brooklyn. The use of stolen vehicles in cash-in-transit heists has become a common tactic among criminal syndicates in South Africa, as it helps to obscure the identities of the suspects and provides a quick getaway from crime scenes.
The Rising Threat of Cash-in-Transit Heists
South Africa has experienced a surge in cash-in-transit heists in recent years, with criminals targeting security vehicles transporting large amounts of money. These heists are often carried out by heavily armed and highly organised gangs, leading to deadly confrontations with police and security forces. According to recent data, the country has seen a marked increase in CIT robberies, with incidents like the Germiston shootout becoming all too common.
Gauteng remains one of the provinces hardest hit by CIT heists. The provincial government, in collaboration with national authorities, has responded by enhancing law enforcement capabilities, investing in specialised units, and improving intelligence-sharing mechanisms to tackle the scourge of cash-related crimes. The success of these operations, such as the one in Germiston, highlights the efficacy of these interventions.
Community Response and Safety Concerns
While the swift action by law enforcement has been lauded by many, the shootout in a densely populated area like Germiston has raised concerns about public safety. Residents in the area reported hearing multiple gunshots and expressed fears about being caught in the crossfire. One witness, who asked to remain anonymous, described the chaotic scene: “It was terrifying. We heard gunfire and saw police vehicles everywhere. People were running for cover. You don’t expect something like this to happen in your neighbourhood.”
The police have assured the public that all necessary precautions were taken to minimise harm to bystanders and civilians. Colonel Katlego Mogale reiterated that the use of force was necessary due to the suspects’ aggressive actions and the immediate threat posed to officers and the public. “Our members acted in self-defence after the suspects opened fire on them. We remain committed to ensuring that dangerous criminals are brought to justice and that our communities are kept safe,” Mogale stated.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Proceedings
The investigation into the Germiston robbery and the broader criminal syndicate behind the CIT heists is still ongoing. Authorities are working to identify the surviving suspect and any other potential accomplices who may have been involved in the planning and execution of the crime. The police are also investigating the origins of the recovered firearms and whether they are linked to other crimes in the region.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has taken over the investigation due to the organised nature of the crime. They will be working closely with the South African National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure that those responsible face the full force of the law.
A Call for Public Assistance
Law enforcement agencies have called on the public to come forward with any information that may assist in apprehending other members of the syndicate involved in this or similar crimes. Police are urging anyone with information to contact their nearest police station or use the Crime Stop hotline.
Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, commended the officers involved for their bravery and quick response to the incident. “I want to thank the members of the multi-disciplinary team for their excellent work. We will continue to intensify our operations to make sure that these criminals know that there is no place for them in our society,” Mawela said.
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