Two people suspected of blue-light robberies were fatally shot during a police shootout in Parys, Free State, on Sunday.
Gauteng police spokesman Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi explained that the arrests followed intelligence-led, multi-agency operations. The operation involved the tactical response team, traffic aviation unit, detectives’ tracking unit, head office counterintelligence, and private security partners.
Officers spotted a VW Golf 7 on the R59, a vehicle believed to have been used in several blue-light frauds, and attempted a stop. The driver refused to pull over, triggering a high-speed chase and an exchange of gunfire. The car eventually lost control and crashed into a fence in the Parys area. Inside the vehicle, two suspects wearing police uniforms were found dead.
Authorities recovered two unlicensed firearms with ammunition, SAPS uniforms with insignia, blue lights, sirens, and counterfeit registration plates from the vehicle.
Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects targeted motorists on the R59 and other routes between Gauteng and the Free State, hijacking vehicles and kidnapping victims for several hours while withdrawing money from their bank accounts.
Police say they will maintain a strong crackdown on these crimes. They urged the public not to stop in isolated areas, but to proceed to the nearest police station or petrol station.
If anyone has information about these criminal activities, they are encouraged to contact the Crime Stop line at 08600-10111.
Sowetan
