Five online robbery suspects have been shot and injured during a shootout with the police in Midrand on Monday.

In an interview with Newzroom Afrika Gauteng Deputy Commissioner Fred Kekana said early this month, a victim saw a car that was advertised on Facebook Market Place and contacted the seller with plans of buying the vehicle.

After arranging a meeting, the victim was kidnapped, and he was shot on his left before the suspects withdrew all the money in his account.

A second victim saw the same car advertised on Facebook and when he made contact with the sellers, he was uncomfortable with the meeting location, and he contacted the police.

Kekana said police followed the lead and discovered that the suspects were linked to the first victim.

“A tactical team was assembled, and they accompanied the potential victim to meet the suspects. When the suspects noticed that the man was accompanied by police, they started shooting. The police shot back in retaliation,” he said.

He added that the suspects tried to speed off, but police shot at the tires and their car rolled and they were injured.

Kekana confirmed that the suspects were rushed to hospital, and two firearms were recovered.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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