A dangerous syndicate responsible for more than 30 murders was dismantled during a fierce police shootout in Chrisville, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
Johannesburg syndicate notorious for serial murders killed in police shootout
The operation was launched following credible intelligence received by SAPS’s Crime Intelligence headquarters.
According to sources within law enforcement, the syndicate had been terrorising Johannesburg’s suburbs with violent crimes, prompting a swift and coordinated response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Gauteng Traffic Saturation unit and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Tactical Operations Management Section.
Armed with actionable intelligence, the integrated law enforcement team approached a suspected hideout in the southwestern part of Johannesburg.
As officers attempted to secure the area, they were met with gunfire from the suspects. The ensuing exchange of shots resulted in three suspects being fatally wounded.
In addition to the casualties, law enforcement successfully apprehended three other members of the syndicate.
The operation also led to the recovery of two unlicensed firearms, which are currently undergoing ballistic tests to ascertain their use in previous crimes.
The arrested suspects are expected to face multiple charges related to their involvement in the syndicate’s activities, including murder and possession of illegal firearms.
They are scheduled to appear in court soon, where they will be formally charged.