Three male suspects, aged between 27 and 35, made their initial appearance before the Gilead Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 September 2025, facing charges related to a violent business robbery. Their case has been postponed to Monday, 22 September 2025, for a formal bail application.
The arrests stem from an incident on the morning of Friday, 05 September 2025, when the trio allegedly targeted a wholesaler in Makobe village. According to reports, the suspects entered the store armed with sharp objects and a pellet gun. They proceeded to threaten employees and customers before robbing them and fleeing the scene in a white Volkswagen Polo Vivo with Gauteng registration plates.
Following a tip-off, Gilead police operationalized the information and conducted a successful operation, leading to the arrest of all three suspects at their respective homes on 12 and 13 September 2025. One suspect was apprehended in Raweshi village, while the other two were arrested in Krans village.
The suspects subsequently led police investigators to a location in Krans Village, Ga-Matlala, where the white Polo Vivo used as the getaway vehicle was recovered. The investigation further led police to a relative of one of the suspects, where a black carry bag was discovered.
The bag contained a significant cache of items, including:
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A 9mm replica pistol (Kuzey-5900)
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A magazine loaded with ammunition
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A black holster
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Silver handcuffs
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A black wallet
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A variety of cigarettes
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Three cell phones
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Ten gun-lighters
The total estimated value of the recovered items is R200,000.00.
Police investigations have also revealed that the recovered getaway vehicle had been rented by one of the suspects from a rental company in Boksburg, Gauteng Province.
Police confirm that investigations into the matter are ongoing.
