A dramatic predawn police chase along Tshwane’s R55 ended in tragedy on Thursday morning, when a suspect was fatally shot during a violent confrontation with police officers. The incident, which began around 2:50 a.m., unfolded after the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Erasmia responded to a tip-off about a suspicious vehicle involved in criminal activities in the Brooklyn area.
Officers spotted the vehicle on their patrol and attempted to stop it. However, the suspects inside fired shots at the police, sparking a high-speed pursuit. The vehicle sped towards the Mooiplaas informal settlement as the suspects continued firing at the officers, who returned fire in self-defense, said Captain Johan van Dyk, the police spokesperson.
The chase came to a violent halt when the police managed to immobilize the suspect vehicle by shooting out its tires. In the chaos, one of the suspects was struck by a bullet, and tragically, he died at the scene. The other four suspects managed to flee on foot, disappearing into the night. Their whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities have launched an intensive manhunt to locate them.
Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered three large bags filled with chopped copper cables, roughly 60 meters in length, valued at approximately R60,000. The discovery pointed to a clear case of copper theft, a crime that has been on the rise in various regions.
The vehicle was seized for further investigation to determine whether it had been used in other criminal activities. In an interesting turn, a man later arrived at the Pretoria West police station, claiming to be the vehicle’s owner. He was immediately taken into custody for questioning.
The police have opened cases of attempted murder and tampering with essential infrastructure, with a focus on tracing the remaining suspects. As the investigation progresses, authorities are urging members of the public to come forward with any information regarding the identities or whereabouts of the fugitives.
While the tragic loss of life remains a somber aspect of the operation, police continue their efforts to bring all those involved in the crime to justice.
