Cape Town – Three suspects were fatally wounded and one injured following a shootout with police on the N12 highway on Thursday, as reported by authorities.
The operation followed intelligence regarding a group that had just robbed a courier vehicle in Thokoza.
According to police, the suspects were travelling in a silver Toyota Corolla when officers spotted them on Kliprivier Road joining the N12 towards Soweto.
“When police attempted to stop them, the suspects fled,” the statement said, sparking a high-speed chase that ended in a shootout.
Three suspects were fatally wounded and one injured following a shootout with police on the N12https://t.co/yztsPxchFg#ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/yqHBtDbH9e
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 15, 2026
The vehicle eventually came to a halt between the Xavier and Soweto off-ramps. Three suspects were declared dead at the scene, while one sustained injuries. Police recovered two firearms and suspected stolen goods from the vehicle.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, commended the joint operation, which involved the National Counter Intelligence, Gauteng Tactical Response Team, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, and private security.
He said the coordinated effort demonstrates their continued commitment to combating crime and protecting the public.
🚨 N12 near Nasrec (Soweto direction) CLOSED 🚧
Gun battle between police & armed robbers 👮♂️💥
– 3 suspects shot dead, others wounded 🩸
– Linked to courier robberies
– Hostage freed #JHBTrafficAlert #SaNationalTrafficUpdates pic.twitter.com/LwN4isajeC— SA NATIONAL TRAFFIC UPDATES (@lnnocent191535) January 14, 2026
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
