One suspect was killed and five others arrested following a shootout with police at the intersection of the N12 and Xavier Road in Winchester Hills on Friday.
The incident followed the hijacking of an Isuzu bakkie in Germiston, where the driver was allegedly abducted and forced to travel with the suspects.
According to Tintswalo Sibeko, police tracked down the suspects and intercepted the vehicles in Johannesburg south. During the operation, two suspects reportedly fled into nearby bushes and opened fire on officers, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
“One suspect was fatally wounded at the scene,” Sibeko said.
The kidnapped victim was rescued unharmed during the operation.
Police also recovered an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as the hijacked Isuzu bakkie. Three additional vehicles allegedly linked to the suspects; a Mitsubishi SUV, a VW Polo, and a Volvo were seized at the scene.
Authorities have opened cases of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of a hijacked motor vehicle, carjacking, and kidnapping.
Investigations are ongoing.