Rosettenville shooting

Image via: Adobe Stock

Rosettenville: No police involved or killed during shootout

IPID previously said that two police officers were allegedly involved in the Rosettenville shootout with police and are on the run.

Rosettenville shooting

Image via: Adobe Stock

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has confirmed that no police were involved or killed in the Rosettenville deadly high speed chase and shootout on Monday. 

A gang of about 25 gunmen from KwaZulu-Natal, Zimbabwe and Botswana were intercepted by police while planning a cash-in-transit heist in Johannesburg on Monday afternoon.

NO POLICE KILLED OR INVOLVED IN ROSETTENVILLE SHOOTOUT

IPID said there was confusion between injured police and criminals who died.

“This created distorted info because some of the police were not wearing uniform and were confused with criminals so NO police officer died but only criminals.” 

IPID spokesperson, Grace Langa previously said “It is alleged that two police officers are involved and are amongst criminals that are on the run.” 

HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR:

  • The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) confirmed that 10 of the suspects involved in the deadly shooting will appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 23 February.
  • Police Minister, Bheki Cele said the majority of firearms recovered were AK-47s with double magazines and R4s.
  • Cele also added that the AK-47s, R4s and explosives found on the scene will be taken for forensic ballistics to confirm whether or not they belong to the SAPS or SANDF.
  • The authorities started recovering stolen items – and that included a fleet of ‘high-performance vehicles’ at one of the suspects’ hideouts. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela confirmed that all the vehicles were hijacked.
  • According to an IPID report, about 100 bullets were found on the scene as well as 12 riffles that were being used by criminals to shoot at the police.
  • Four South African suspects who were arrested at the scene, a further four Zimbabweans and a Botswanan were also cuffed.
  • One of the arrested from Botswana is believed to be a wanted man, who is known to be the mastermind behind several CIT robberies for years.

ALSO READ: 20 Zimbabweans amongst suspects in foiled CIT robbery