By Kaya 959 News
Gauteng police this week arrested eight men wanted for allegedly carrying out attacks on courier vehicles.
The arrests were carried out by the Gauteng Serious and Violent Crimes Unit and other law enforcement agencies.
Police spokesperson, Captain Kay Makhubele, said police also recovered three unlicensed rifles and a pistol in West Rand as well as four stolen vehicles and items believed to have been taken from a courier vehicle.
Makhubele said SAPS were notified about a robbery that had just taken place in Rustenburg and drove to Krugersdorp area, Serious and Violent Crimes Unit members, Rapid Response Services and other law enforcement agencies were dispatched to search for the suspects.
“A Quantum, Ford Ranger, Iveco and Lexus with an unknown number of suspects that matched the description of the suspects’ getaway cars were spotted and police attempted to stop them.
“The suspects sped off in different directions and a high-speed chase ensued that was followed by a shootout after suspects started firing shots at the police,” Makhubele said.
READ: Gauteng MEC urged to prioritise traffic police
Eight suspects arrested
Six suspects were arrested in a Quantum, one in an Iveco and one was arrested in a Ford Ranger while the Lexus was found abandoned with a pistol inside.
“Upon searching the Iveco, police recovered goods that were reported stolen during an armed robbery of a courier vehicle. No one was reported injured during the shootout,” Makhubele said.
In Germiston, police were on patrol when they noticed a Quantum with eight occupants and stopped it.
“Upon conducting a search, three unlicensed firearms were recovered and eight suspects were arrested,” Makhubele said.
The suspects will be charged with armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearm attempted murder as well as possession of stolen property and negligent driving. All the suspects will be profiled to determine linkages to other crimes, especially courier vehicle robberies.
The Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended the units from serious and violent crimes, Rapid Response Services (RRS) for their vigilance and swift response that led to the speedy arrest of eight suspects in West Rand and Ekurhuleni Districts.
Suspected illegal miners nabbed
In a separate incident, Makhubele said five suspects were arrested in Benoni.
“Two R5 rifles, two shotguns, a revolver and a pellet gun with more than 150 various assorted rounds of ammunition were found after the Crime Prevention Team spotted three suspected illegal miners carrying a bag,” he said.
He said when officers approached, the suspects fled on foot in different directions, one jumped into the water.
“Backup was immediately requested. The Trio Team joined the Crime Prevention Team and a suspect, who jumped into the water, was arrested and found in possession of a revolver,” he said.
Further investigation led the police to the N12 Squatter camp where rifles and ammunition were recovered. Two more suspects aged 27 and 28 were arrested.
The search for the suspects who managed to evade arrest is underway and the recovered firearms will be subjected to forensic examination and ballistic testing to determine if they were used in commission of crimes.
