Update: 4.45pm
Norwood police have launched a manhunt for two suspects who were involved in a shoot-out with the police in Houghton Estate on 17 May.
It alleged that five suspects hijacked a bakkie in Woodmead, kidnapped the owner and drove off with him along the M1 highway.
Read: Ex-policeman arrested for stealing a vehicle
Norwood Police Station spokesperson, Captain Elliot Tshivhase told the North Eastern Tribune that patrolling police officers spotted the Mercedes Benz and the hijacked bakkie. “The police gave chase and the suspects took the Riveria off-ramp and drove towards Central Street in Houghton where a
shoot-out ensued between the suspects and the police,” said Tshivhase.
“One suspect, believed to be a driver, was wounded.”
According to the police, two of the suspects managed to flee the scene and the other three were immediately arrested, including the injured driver. The wounded suspect was taken to a nearby hospital and he is currently under police guard, added Tshivhase.
Read: Man arrested for reporting false hijacking to police
The owner of the bakkie was still in the one vehicle, blindfolded and lying on the floor. He was rescued and according to Tshivhase, he emerged without a scratch.
Norwood police are investigating a case of attempted murder, and because the hijacking occurred in Woodmead, Bramley police are investigating that matter.
The two suspects were still on the run by the time of publication, and police have requested the public to assist with information that might help lead to their arrest.
Initial story: 2.30pm
It is claimed that one suspect has been shot during a shootout with police at the Riviera off-ramp in Houghton Estate and another has been arrested.
It is not yet clear what the situation is as the police are yet to issue an official statement about the incident which brought traffic to a standstill.
Read: Security jacked up after shooting horror at Hillbrow Theatre
The area is serviced by the Norwood Police Station and the spokesperson for the station, Captain Elliot Tshivhase, could not comment on the incident but referred queries to the Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Lungelo Dlamini.
Read: Drive-by shooting in Orange Groove claims man’s life and injures another
The shooting has not been confirmed, but Candice de Beer tweeted about the incident from her apartment nearby.
#Gunshots in Houghton. Anyone know what's going on?
— Candice de Beer (@CandiceWiggett) May 17, 2018
“The guards on our boom said that one suspect took a few shots to the chest. Wonder if the cops received a tip off,” she said.
Security company, Vision Tactical, also tweeted about the incident.
Suspects arrested after a chase and shooting in Houghton. Riveria offramp will remain closed for an investigation! pic.twitter.com/i0iDIRLx1E
— Vision Tactical (@visiontactical) May 17, 2018
The North Eastern Tribune contacted Dlamini and he promised to respond to the publication as soon as the information is made available to him. “I will contact Tshivhase from the Norwood Police Station and you can contact me later to give you details about the incident,” he said.
Details: Norwood Police Station 011 483 4609.
Also read:
#ICYMI: Shooting leaves two dead, another critical
