The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) K9 Unit arrested three male suspects in Alrode, Alberton, for hijacking a motor vehicle, reckless and negligent driving, and possession of two unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Officers conducting crime prevention patrols along the R59 Freeway on Saturday, October 1, 2022, observed a charcoal Mercedes-Benz sedan driving at an extremely high speed and changing lanes recklessly.
The officers decided to pursue the vehicle to stop it and find out what was causing the reckless behaviour.
As the officers approached the vehicle, they noticed three male occupants. In an attempt to stop the Mercedez-Benz, the officers activated their blue lights and siren.
When the occupants of the Mercedes-Benz noticed the officers, they accelerated in an attempt to flee, driving recklessly at high speeds and nearly colliding with other vehicles on the road.
The vehicle then exited R59 at the Swartkoppies Road exit and entered the Alrode area. The vehicle continued to speed, passing through intersections and red traffic lights with no intention of slowing down or stopping
During the high-speed chase, a passenger in the back of the Mercedes-Benz opened the back door and pointed a gun at the officers.
Officers opened fire on the vehicle, and the driver of the Mercedes-Benz lost control and crashed into a park near the Potgieter and Bosworth intersection.
The suspects’ vehicle was severely damaged and came to a halt. The suspects then got out of the car and tried to flee on foot.
The suspects fled into a nearby parking lot near the AutoZone auto parts and spare shop on Bosworth Street, where they were engaged in a shootout with the officers.
On the scene, all three suspects were apprehended. Two unlicensed firearms were discovered, and it was later discovered that the Mercedez-Benz had just been hijacked by the same suspects in the Booysens area.
The suspects were also discovered to have robbed the complainant of his cell phones and wallet, which were discovered in their possession.
The three male suspects were apprehended and detained by Bracken Downs SAPS.
