Breakthrough in airport heists
Members from the SAPS' National Investigation Unit and the Flying Squad acted on a tip-off and arrested two suspects after a shoot out on the N3 on Sunday night.
National Police spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo says the National Investigation Unit received information that a group of men driving a white Mercedes Benz ML are targeting commuters traveling from OR Tambo International Airport.
"When police tried to stop the vehicle, a shoot out ensued in which one suspect was shot dead and two others arrested."
Police have since verified that the luxury car was stolen in the Norwood area in October. Police also recovered two unlicensed firearms.
Naidoo says the suspects are expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
"The suspects are likely to face charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, armed robbery regarding the hijacked Mercedes and murder in respect of their dead accomplice."
He says police are at this stage investigating the possibility that the suspects can also be linked to at least five other airport following robberies.
In October, seven tourists were robbed and assaulted on their way from the airport, while in September a group of 36 Dutch tourists was also allegedly followed from the airport, held up by armed suspects dressed as policemen and robbed.
"This is a significant breakthrough to our efforts to combat crimes in and around the OR Tambo International Airport, especially the crimes where people are being followed from the airport and being robbed," Naidoo adds.