Ndudi Anyim
Eight alleged store robbers have been arraigned in Mamelodi Magistrate Court, after their arrest at Nellmapius, east of Tshwane, South Africa.
The accused persons, whose age range between 26 and 39, were arrested following a joint intelligence-driven operation by operatives of Gauteng Crime Intelligence, the National Investigating Unit and the Flying Squad.
Security Watch Africa reports that the accused were alleged to have been involved in a major business robbery which took place at a home appliance store in Silver Lakes on February 21.
Speaking for the South Africa Police Authority, Gauteng Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, said the accused persons were traced to a house in Mphoa Street, Nellmapius, where police tactically pounced on them and arrested eight of them.
The Police Chief said assorted firearms, vehicles and other exhibits were recovered from the suspects hideout.
“ A search at the house resulted in the recovery of footwear, tracksuits and rucksacks of a particular sporting brand, as well as two cellphones. The combined value of the confiscated suspected stolen goods is estimated at over R382 000.
“ Police also seized five vehicles – two Mercedes Benz, one of them a rental; a Toyota Quantum; Toyota Etios; and a Volkswagen Polo, on suspicion of having been used during the commission of the alleged business robbery.
A jamming device, a magazine, live ammunition of different firearms, as well as a pistol that has since been confirmed as stolen as per a 2020 Pretoria North SAPS case, were also seized from the scene of arrest.
“ Investigations by the Provincial Investigating Unit (PIU) are underway to establish a possible linkage of the suspects to more business robberies in Gauteng. The eight suspects have in the meantime been charged with possession of illegal firearm and suspected stolen property, ” Mawela said.
He also applauded the integrated team for the breakthrough and urged the PIU team of investigators to work hard in building a solid case that can stand in court and secure a successful conviction.