A couple was arrested after a female victim was robbed of her cellphone at gun point. In a separate incident, a mine worker was also robbed. The duo responsible for these crimes were arrested, charged and taken to the Welkom Magistrates’ Court on 21 October 2022, for their first appearance.
On 19 October 2022 at about 17:10, a 26-year-old complainant was walking towards a shopping center. When she wanted to cross the road, a grey Hyundai Getz stopped and a female occupant asked her for directions.
Suddenly, she heard the sound of a firearm being cocked. The female from the vehicle demanded her cellphone and the victim gave it. The two occupants drove off.
However, the complainant managed to stop a passing marked police vehicle. The two police officials who gave chase managed to stop the said Getz sedan. Upon search of the vehicle, four cellphones and a metal toy gun were found and the suspects arrested.
The complainant identified her cellphone which was handed back to her. The other cellphones were kept for further investigation. The grey Hyundai Getz with FS registration number was also confiscated.
The same couple is linked and charged with an incident which occurred on 17 October 2022 at night in Thabong where a 35-year-old mine worker was robbed in a similar manner. His cellphone, wallet, cash, mine identification card, and personal cards were robbed also at gun point.
Cases of armed robbery are been investigated by the Welkom Serious and Violent Crimes Unit.
