[UPDATE] Police Shoot Suspect in Winterveldt After Standoff, Linked to Recent Spikings
Image Source: Abrajee via X
Published by: Everything ZA
PRETORIA, South Africa – In a dramatic development aimed at curbing recent highway robberies, Tshwane District police apprehended a group of suspects believed to be responsible for a string of attacks along the N1, N4, and R80 national and provincial roads.
Acting on a tip, a police team raided a suspected planning location in Winterveldt, north of Pretoria. They cornered ten individuals, one of whom reportedly wrestled with officers while wielding a firearm.
“The suspect threatened to attack another officer,” said a police spokesperson. “Fearing for their safety, one officer discharged a single shot to stop him.”
The suspect died at the scene.
A woman believed to be running an illegal tavern where the group met was also arrested.
The deceased suspect has since been identified and linked to four separate armed robbery and rape cases in Pretoria North. He is also suspected of being the mastermind behind the recent string of highway attacks.
Three other individuals from the apprehended group are also suspected of involvement in the R80 attacks.
Police confiscated a black replica firearm and other potential evidence.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of highway crime in South Africa. While the apprehension of this group offers a measure of relief, authorities are likely to remain vigilant in their efforts to combat this issue.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will be investigating the police shooting as per standard protocol.
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