Overview
- The operation unfolded around 5:30 pm on Friday when officers intercepted suspects on the R25 between Bronkhorstspruit and Bapsfontein.
- Police first engaged a white Fiat, killing three suspects and recovering a pistol and a rifle at the scene.
- A second encounter with a white Toyota Corolla in the Welbekend area left one suspect dead, while another escaped on foot as officers seized an AK-47 with magazines.
- Investigators later raided a safe house in Dennilton, Limpopo, where they seized explosives and a hijacked Mercedes-Benz believed stolen in Ekangala, Tshwane, and arrested one suspect.
- Authorities opened cases including attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms, praised the multi-agency response, and linked the action to Safer Festive Season policing with Business Against Crime SA.