A man who was released on bail for allegedly killing a South African Police Service (SAPS) member, was rearrested by the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) for robbery in Bronkhorstspruit.
TMPD spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said TMPD members responded to a complaint from community members on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, about five suspects who were driving a dark grey Mercedez-Benz and going around the community allegedly robbing people at gunpoint.
"The TMPD members swiftly responded to the call and managed to trace the suspects at Zithobeni area near R515 Road. When the suspects noticed the police vehicle, they opened fire, shooting at the officers, officers returned fire, and a high-speed chase ensued between the officers and the suspects.
"The suspects' vehicle continued to drive recklessly endangering oncoming traffic and bumping other vehicles. During the pursuit, the suspects' vehicle wheel was punctured near a graveyard, five suspects fled on foot into the graveyard," said Mahamba.
Mahamba said the officers gave chase and managed to apprehend three suspects and also recovered an unlicenced firearm and ammunition.
He said two of the suspects are still at large.
The three suspects were charged with attempted murder, armed robbery, and possession of an unlicenced firearm and ammunition.
Mahamba said while the officers were busy processing the suspects, it was discovered that the Mercedes-Benz was reported to be highjacked.
"It was also discovered that one of the suspects was out on bail for murdering a police officer," he said.
Mahamba said TMPD officers were not injured during the shoot-out.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
IOL News