A robbery suspect was shot and an unlicensed firearm was recovered following a shootout with security operatives a short while ago (Wednesday) in Everest Heights – Verulam, South Africa.
At approximately 10:35 am, the Reaction Unit South Africa Operations Centre received a call from a resident of Garden Street reporting an attempted robbery at his residence. Upon arrival the caller informed officers that three suspects attempted to force their way into his home.
Two of the suspects were confirmed to be armed with firearms while their accomplice was in possession of pepper spray.
The victim managed to shut the door locking the suspects outside. He screamed for assistance which alerted neighbors. The suspects then fled the scene on foot.
Reaction Officers entered a bush in pursuit of the armed men. One of the suspects opened fire on pursuing Officers and fled through a stream.
RUSA Head Prem Balram intercepted the suspect who fired two rounds at him at close range. Balram returned fire and shot the shot the suspect twice. The suspect collapsed in the stream. An unlicensed 9mm Walter P38 with its serial number filed off and six live rounds of ammunition was recovered in the stream (picture 13) next to the suspect. One round was chambered in the barrel.
The Malawian national informed Reaction Officers that he and one of his accomplices are from Mslasini while the third suspect is from Umlazi. The were allegedly dropped off by a silver Nissan Tida and intended on robbing the residence on Garden Street after they received information that there was over a million rand in cash kept in the home. The suspects are believed to be linked to several robberies. Paramedics treated the suspect for his injuries before transporting him to a Provincial Hospital under Police guard.