An unlicensed firearm, a Police radio and a large quantity of cash was recovered following a shootout between business robbery suspects and members of Reaction Unit South Africa in Phoenix – KZN a short while ago (Wednesday).
At approximately 01:58am Reaction Officers were on patrol in the area when they were alerted to an armed robbery in progress at a Shell Service Station. As Officers approached the business they noticed a white Toyota Etios parked on the forecourt in front of the convenience store. Staff inside the store were seen lying on the floor.
As the First Responders stopped their vehicle three armed men exited the business and fired a volley of shots in their direction. Reaction Officers returned fire when the gunmen got into their getaway vehicle and sped off. RUSA Members pursued the vehicle. During a high-speed chase the suspects continued firing at Reaction Officers who returned fire and shot the getaway vehicle several times.
The driver of the Toyota Etios lost control of the vehicle as he attempted to corner a sharp bend. The vehicle left the road and crashed into a tree. The robbers exited the vehicle and fled. Reaction Officers managed to arrest the driver.
A 9mm Luger firearm with a filed off serial number, a large quantity of cash, a Police radio and cigarettes (picture 5) were recovered in the vehicle. An extensive search was conducted for the remaining suspects however they still remain at large.
Reaction Officers were not injured during the exchange of gunfire.
