Pretoria – Four suspects were arrested during an alleged botched business robbery in Epping, Cape Town.
The men, aged between 53 and 49 years, have been linked to more than 50 criminal cases spanning over a period of 15 years.
They were part of a group of six who attempted to rob a business on Friday.
“A shoot out ensued between police and the robbers, leaving three suspects deceased with one seriously injured,” the Hawks said.
Police confiscated four firearms and four motor vehicles. One vehicle was reported stolen in Cape Town.
Three of the suspects are expected to appear in the Goodwood Magistrate Court on Monday on charges of theft of motor vehicle, possession of unlicensed firearms and attempted business robbery.
The fourth suspect is recovering in hospital.
National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza, praised all the officers who responded to the robbery.
“The confrontation has unfortunately ended with the suspects being fatally wounded. Police have borne serious costs for their bravery and I commend our officers for standing firm, many times in harm’s way, to take on these dangerous criminals head-on," Ntlemeza said. – SAnews.gov.za
