The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner commends police for their swift response that led to the arrest of eight armed robbery suspects resulting in the recovery of five various calibre firearms within hours after an armed robbery incident in Mbizana.
On Monday morning, 9 May 2022 at about 08:30, it is alleged that at least eight heavily armed unknown men traveling in a white Toyota Corolla targeted a local general store that was operating as a pension pay-out outlet in KwaNdela Location, Mbizana.
The Post Office employees, who were manning a satellite outlet were held at gunpoint together with security officers. Suspects managed to steal undisclosed amount of cash and a grey Toyota Hilux belonging to one of the Post Office employees. The suspects used the two vehicles to flee the scene.
Police immediate response led to the arrest of five suspects not far from the scene traveling in one of the getaway vehicles (Toyota Corolla). A preliminary investigation led to the arrest of three additional suspects and the recovery of five firearms.
The second getaway vehicle that was stolen during a robbery was recovered abandoned few kilometres away from the scene. The eight men aged between 31 and 48 are due to appear in the Mbizana magistrate’s court on Wednesday, 11 May 2022 on charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
In another incident, on Tuesday morning, 10 May 2022 at about 08:00, it is alleged that three armed men robbed a Post Office in Sterkstroom.
It is said that suspects made off with undisclosed amount of cash.
Police are urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the investigating officer, Detective Captain Gcobani Maqhashalala on 082 442 2275. The information may also be shared via Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
