Johannesburg police shootout leaves three suspects dead

Three suspected cash-in-transit robbers were killed and two others arrested following a shootout with police in Johannesburg on Friday, October 9, 2026.

Acting on crime intelligence, a joint law enforcement team intercepted two vehicles—a white Mercedes-Benz and a white Audi—believed to be heading toward Roodepoort to commit a robbery. When officers attempted to stop the Mercedes-Benz on Kliprivier Road, the suspects allegedly opened fire, prompting police to retaliate.

During the exchange, the suspects’ vehicle lost control and collided with two civilian vehicles on the N12 road, injuring three people. The injured civilians were transported to a hospital for treatment. The three suspects in the Mercedes-Benz were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police recovered two AK-47 rifles, multiple magazines, and various rounds of ammunition from the vehicle. The second vehicle, a white Audi, was later traced to the Johannesburg central business district, leading to the arrest of two suspects. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni commended the collaborative efforts of the SAPS Organised Crime unit, the Tactical Response Team, and the Anti-Gang Unit in disrupting the planned criminal activity.