An intelligence-led operation conducted by Gauteng police culminated in a fatal shootout on Friday, 24 October 2025, in Parktown, resulting in the deaths of three suspected kidnappers. The individuals, believed to be part of a criminal syndicate linked to kidnappings and cash-in-transit heists, were intercepted during a coordinated effort involving several elite law enforcement units.
Following credible intelligence connected to recent kidnapping and attempted abduction cases in Langlaagte and Randburg, police identified a vehicle matching the description of the suspects. Upon attempting to stop the vehicle, officers came under fire, prompting them to return fire. All three suspects were fatally wounded during the exchange. Two unlicensed firearms—a shotgun and a pistol—were recovered at the scene.
The operation was jointly executed by SAPS Counter Intelligence (Head Office), Gauteng Tactical Response Team (TRT), Anti-Gang Unit, Traffic Police Airwing, DPCI Gauteng Tracking Team, and private security partners. A case of murder and attempted murder has been registered, with investigations ongoing.
Major General Fred Kekana, SAPS Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner, stated that the suspects had been under surveillance for their alleged involvement in multiple violent crimes across the province. He confirmed that one of the deceased had been linked to a notorious 2003 cash-in-transit robbery in Sebokeng, which resulted in nine fatalities and two arrests. Intelligence from that case helped identify the fugitive, who was among those killed in Friday’s incident.
Kekana further revealed that the group was implicated in the June 2025 kidnapping of a Chinese national in Langlaagte and a recent attempted kidnapping in Randburg. In the latter case, the intended victim managed to escape by deliberately colliding with one of the suspects’ vehicles, forcing them to flee.
Police had been tracking the suspects’ vehicle via intelligence channels and believed they were en route to commit another armed robbery when they were intercepted on the M1 near Smith Street, Parktown. “These individuals operated as though they were above the law,” Kekana said. “They opened fire on our officers, leaving them no option but to defend themselves. By doing so, they effectively sealed their own fate.”
He added that a second vehicle, believed to be connected to the same group, managed to evade capture during the incident. A specialised team has since been deployed to trace the remaining suspects, with follow-up operations already in progress.
Forensic teams continued to process the scene, focusing on verifying the vehicle’s authenticity, ownership, and the possible use of false number plates. The recovered firearms have been sent for ballistic testing to determine any links to previous crimes.
Kekana reiterated the police’s commitment to dismantling organised crime networks ahead of the festive season. “This operation underscores our resolve to safeguard communities and remove illegal firearms from circulation,” Sibeko said. “As part of our festive season safety campaign, law enforcement will intensify efforts to curb violent crimes, including kidnappings, hijackings, and armed robberies.”
The fatal shootout in Parktown represents a significant breakthrough in Gauteng’s ongoing efforts to combat violent organised crime.
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