Iraqi airmen fire AK-47s during firing drills March 29, 2011. Members of the 447th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron trained Iraqi security forces airmen ensuring weapons qualification and teaching defensive tactics, vehicle searches and other force protection measures. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau).
Hawks: Six suspects arrested, AK-47 recovered after JHB shootout
Three suspects were arrested at the scene. Three attempted to escape. The final suspect was arrested in a manhole in the Joburg CBD.
Iraqi airmen fire AK-47s during firing drills March 29, 2011. Members of the 447th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron trained Iraqi security forces airmen ensuring weapons qualification and teaching defensive tactics, vehicle searches and other force protection measures. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau).
An operation by the Hawks Tactical Management Section led to the arrest of six suspects in Johannesburg on Monday, 14 February. The law enforcement agency was assisted by private security members.
HAWKS ARREST HIJACKING SUSPECTS
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the authorities were searching for suspects who were allegedly involved in a spate of armed robberies in Johannesburg.
The Hawks received a tip that said the wanted men were using a white Kia minibus and were on their way to central Jozi to commit a robbery.
“The suspects were spotted on the M2 highway and the team attempted to stop the suspects.
“A shootout ensued and the suspects’ vehicle crashed onto other vehicles as they tried to flee,” said Mogale.
Three of the suspects were immediately arrested. The remaining suspects were arrested soon after.
The Hawks said the fourth suspect was apprehended after attempting to hijack a bakkie, the fifth was caught hiding in some bushes and the final one was arrested in a manhole in the Johannesburg CBD.
Five of the six suspects suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital for medical treatment under police guard.
An AK-47 assault rifle, two pistols, ammunition and two hijacked vehicles were recovered during the operation. The preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle used on Monday was hijacked in Heidelberg in January.
Mogale said the arrested suspects would be charged with attempted murder, hijacking, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and possession of a stolen vehicle.
They are expected to appear before court imminently.
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