Two suspects believed to be involved in a cash-in-transit robbery in Virginia, Free State, were killed in a shootout with the Gauteng Police Tactical Response Team (TRT) in Soweto on 7 November 2026, police confirmed. The incident occurred after police attempted to stop a vehicle matching the suspects’ description.
Lieutenant Isaac Mudau, Gauteng SAPS spokesperson, said officers tried to halt the vehicle when the suspects opened fire, prompting police to return fire. “Two suspects were shot dead while the other two managed to run away. No members were injured during the shootout,” he said in a statement.
Police recovered a 9mm pistol and an AK-47 rifle without serial numbers from the scene. The two remaining suspects fled, and a manhunt is currently underway. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was called to the scene as standard procedure following a police shooting resulting in fatalities.
The gunmen are alleged to have been involved in a cash-in-transit robbery that took place in Virginia, Free State, on 6 November. Gauteng TRT received intelligence from Free State police that the suspects were travelling towards Soweto, which led to the interception and subsequent shootout.
While the general location of the shootout is confirmed as Soweto, exact details such as the specific street or landmark remain unverified. The identities of the deceased suspects have not been released pending further investigation. Police investigations are ongoing to track down the suspects who escaped and to clarify the full sequence of events.
This shootout highlights the continued efforts by police to curb armed robberies linked across provincial borders but also underscores challenges in fully securing public safety. The use of unregistered firearms by suspects complicates the threat posed to law enforcement and citizens alike.
Lieutenant Mudau added, “A 9mm pistol and an AK-47 rifle with no serial numbers were recovered. IPID was also summoned to the scene. Police investigation continues.” No officers suffered injuries during the exchange, reflecting disciplined police response under gunfire.
Cape Flats News journalists are monitoring court and police updates as the investigation proceeds. Further details on the identities of the suspects, the fate of the fugitives, and any formal charges remain pending.