Manhunt launched for 7th suspect in foiled Soweto business robbery

Scene where four suspects were shot dead by police in Mofolo, Soweto on April 1, 2026.

Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for a suspect who escaped during a shootout in Mofolo in Soweto, Johannesburg on Wednesday night.

Four other suspects were shot and killed and two were arrested during the gunfight with the Hawks’ Tactical Operation Management Section, Badboyz private security and the Gauteng Police Highway Patrol.

Gauteng Hawks Spokesperson Katlego Mogale says they followed up on information about an intended armed robbery at a business.

Mogale says, “The team picked up the described vehicles near the intended target where the robbery was to take place, upon realisation that police were observing, the suspects split as they fled in their two vehicles and police gave chase.”

She says, “A high-speed chase and shootout ensued and four suspects were fatally wounded in the aftermath, whilst two were arrested. The arrested suspects will face charges of business robbery, attempted murder and then possession of illegal firearms. The team is hit on the heels of the seventh suspect who fled on foot during the chase.”