Blue light bandits: Trio arrested after a high-speed chase and shootout

Police in Pretoria arrested three suspects between the age of 28 and 36 on Tuesday morning, 20 April 2021, following a high-speed chase and gun battle in Rama City near Ga-Ranwuka.

According to a statement from the Hawks, the South African Police Service (SAPS) was allegedly spurred to action by a tip-off about a white Volkswagen Polo that was abusing blue lights in the Pretoria North area.

ONE BLUE LIGHT BANDIT WOUNDED IN GUN BATTLE

A joint team consisting of members of Crime Intelligence, Tactical Operations Mangement Section, DBK Risk Group and Tracker Connect operationalised the information and laid a trap for the unsuspecting blue light bandits.

“Upon realising that police were on their trail, the suspects sped off to the direction of Ga-Rankuwa,” said Colonel Katlego Mogale.

“The suspects fired shots at the police in the ensuing high-speed chase and the members returned fire,” added Mogale.

The blue light bandits lost control of their vehicle and it flipped over. One of the suspects was wounded in the shootout and received treatment at the scene, while the other two were arrested immediately.

The suspects were found with two unlicensed firearms, cellphones and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Police suspect the blue light bandits may be linked to other robberies and vehicle theft in the Akasia area.

The investigation is ongoing and the suspects will appear in the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 21 April. The blue light bandits will face charges of a suspected hijacked motor vehicle, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.