Robbers Arrested After Shootout With Police Over Stolen Vehicle. Photos

Two suspects were arrested, their getaway vehicle and computer boxes were recovered following a shootout between members of Reaction Unit South Africa and vehicle theft suspects in Oaklands – Verulam (03/10/2017).

At approximately 03:25 Reaction Officers were dispatched to Wesbrook Drive in Oaklands after receiving a call from a member of public reporting a theft of motor vehicle in progress. The caller explained that 4 occupants of a white VW Golf were in the process of stealing a Mitsubishi Colt bakkie which was parked on the roadside when they were disturbed. They then abandoned the theft and fled the scene.

As Officers were responding to the call they noticed the VW Golf travelling at high speed down Oaklands Drive. In an attempt to evade arrest the suspects turned into Oaklands Village, a housing complex with a single entrance and exit point.

Reaction Officers blocked off the driveway and as they entered the complex the four suspects alighted from the vehicle. One suspect opened fire on Officers who retaliated and shot the suspects vehicle. Two suspects were arrested while two managed to evade arrest by fleeing along a stream at the rear of the complex.

Upon inspection of the vehicle computer boxes belonging to a Toyota, vehicle keys as well as tools used in the theft of motor vehicles was recovered. The two suspects that were apprehended are residents of Verulam and have been previously convicted for theft of motor vehicle.

Both suspects were handed over to authorities and are currently detained at the Verulam SAPS.