Three suspects believed to be behind a string of house robberies were shot and killed in a dramatic shootout with police on the N1 Highway near Sunninghill, Sandton, early this morning.
The incident unfolded between Winnie Mandela Drive and Rivonia Road, causing massive traffic disruptions and leaving morning commuters stranded as law enforcement sealed off the scene.
🔫 High-Speed Confrontation Ends in Bloodshed
According to SAPS spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, the deadly confrontation erupted after officers attempted to stop a vehicle linked to multiple house robberies across Gauteng. The suspects reportedly opened fire, triggering a high-speed chase that ended in an exchange of bullets on the busy freeway.
“Three suspects were fatally wounded during the shootout. The scene remains active and under investigation,” Masondo confirmed.
🚧 Commuters Warned: Seek Alternate Routes
The shooting brought peak-hour traffic to a standstill, with long tailbacks reported on both directions of the N1 as crime scene investigators and emergency services moved in.
Authorities have urged motorists to avoid the area and use alternative routes, including Bowling Avenue, Woodmead Drive, or the M1 South, while police continue combing the scene for evidence.
🕵️♂️ Background: Robbery Ring Under Scrutiny
While details remain limited, police say the suspects are believed to be part of a larger criminal syndicate targeting upscale homes across Johannesburg’s northern suburbs. The vehicle recovered from the scene is being examined for links to other crimes.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about how many others may be involved — and whether this dramatic shootout has dealt a major blow to a sophisticated robbery ring.
