Diepsloot’s most wanted: Armed robber shot dead in firefight with cops

An armed robbery suspect whom police identified as a ‘most wanted’ man was shot dead in a home in Riverside View, Johannesburg on Friday 29 May.

A joint operation between the South African Police Service Tactical Response teams and traffic police had closed the noose on the wanted criminal, surrounding the house on Friday night.

Most wanted suspect killed in Diepsloot shootout

According to reports from members on the scene, when the ‘most wanted’ suspect realised police were outside the home, he opened fire on police.

Police returned fire and when the dust settled the suspect had been fatally wounded.

SAPS spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele said: “On Friday night, 29 May 2020, members of the Tshwane TRT, Ekurhuleni TRT and Gauteng Traffic Police followed intelligence driven information that led them to the most wanted suspect, who is wanted on cases ranging from armed robbery, business robbery, cash in transit robberies and car hijackings.

SAPS News Room

“The members proceeded to the address where the suspect was hiding in Riverside View. 

“Upon arrival, it is alleged they knocked on the door and the suspect’s girlfriend opened the door. 

“Police tactically positioned themselves around the house. When the suspect realised that it was the police, he allegedly fired one shot, the police returned fire and fatally wounded the suspect.”

A search of the premises turned up a small cache of firearms including two rifles and nine handguns as well as ammunition.

Police also recovered a white Mercedes Benz AMG on the property. The vehicle is believed to have been hijacked earlier in the day.

“Upon entering and searching the house, they found a bag with nine pistols, two rifles and magazines with live ammunition,” Captain Makhubele said on Saturday 30 May. 

“A white Mercedes Benz AMG suspected to be hijacked was also found in the yard.”

Also read: Convicted rapist back in court a year after parole

Police commended

The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner has warned criminals that the members under his charge will not put police work on the back burner during the lockdown.

Lieutenant General Mawela commended the efforts of the officers who seized the firearms and recovered stolen property from the ‘most wanted’ suspect in Diepsloot.

Captain Makhubele added: “Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela commended the work well done by the Gauteng police and urged the community to continue to work with the police. 

“Also issuing a strong warning to those who think that the normal day-to-day police operations are at the back burner due to lockdown to think again. 

“Gauteng is not a place to hide.”