West Province
24 February 2009
On Tuesday, 24 February 2009, a co-ordinated effort between the Johannesburg
Crime Intelligence Gathering unit, the elite South African Police Service
(SAPS) Special Task Force and the National Air Wing resulted in an armed gang
being prevented from carrying out a truck-jacking and armed robbery.
A team from the policeâs highly trained Special Task Force, with aerial
support from our airborne law enforcement officers of the Air Wing, reacted to
a call out from the Johannesburg Crime Intelligence Gathering unit of the
SAPS.
At the Hartbeeshoek/Skuurpoort crossing in the North West province a gang of
robbers began shooting at the truck and when confronted by police members, a
shootout ensued.
Police retaliated and four of the suspects were fatally wounded, one injured
and removed to hospital under police guard and two others taken into
custody.
A variety of firearms, including two AK47 assault rifles, two 9mm pistols,
two revolvers and a high voltage stun gun were recovered from the suspects.
âAs divisional commissioner of visible policing, under which the Special
Task Force and the Air Wing resort, I would like to thank all members involved
in this co-ordinated operation for their courage and dedication to making South
Africa a safer placeâ, said Commissioner Arno Lamoer.
âTime and time again it has been proved that an integrated approach between
police units, together with partnerships with the private industry and
co-operation from the community, is the best way to effectively rid our
communities of armed thugs. My sincere appreciation for the good work of Crime
Intelligence Gathering, the Special Task Force and the Air Wing, we must keep
up this pace for the rest of 2009â, he added.
Enquiries on incident, contact:
Supt Lesego Metsi
Cell: 082 856 1731
Issued by: South African Police Service
24 February 2009
