Arrest made for attempted murder and possession of firearm

GAUTENG – Over the past weekend, officers from JMPD Taxi Violence/Transportation Unit were conducting patrols along Chris Road. While stationary at the intersection of the Protea Gardens Mall entrance, they observed a brown Nissan GO exiting the mall at high speed. The vehicle was being driven recklessly, with the boot and rear left door open.

Suspecting that an offence might have occurred, the officers decided to follow the vehicle. The Nissan GO continued along Chris Hani Road, turned left into Tshithuthune Street near Mangalani Complex, and then immediately turned right.

As the officers pursued, the driver accelerated, prompting them to call for backup and initiate a chase. The vehicle, carrying four occupants, eventually came to a stop next to the Senaoane swimming pool. Four occupants exited the vehicle and opened fire on the officers. In response, the officers returned fire. Three of the suspects quickly re-entered the vehicle and fled the scene, leaving one behind.

The officers pursued the remaining suspect on foot, but he managed to evade capture by scaling walls. Undeterred, the officers returned to their patrol vehicle and continued their search for the suspects’ getaway car.

Members of the public alerted the officers to a suspect dropped off at the corner of Kanya Link and Umpambanyoni Street. This suspect matched the description of one of the individuals who had fired at the officers. The officers engaged in a foot chase, during which the suspect produced a firearm and began shooting at them. The officers responded with gunfire, the suspect attempted to escape back into Umpambanyoni Street where he was eventually apprehended.

Upon apprehending the suspect, a search revealed a black 9mm Norico firearm in his possession. During questioning, the suspect alluded to being involved in a robbery at a Pep Cell shop at Protea Gardens Mall.
The 37-year-old male suspect was placed under arrest and detained at Moroka SAPS. He faces charges of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.