Two suspects aged 37 and 38 were arrested for Business robbery and Possession of stolen goods after a clothing store was robbed in Voortrekker Street at the Victorian Centre on 22 October 2020.
The 42-year-old Shop Manager was in the shop when three unknown men entered, pointed them with a firearms, ordered them to put all cell phones in the bag and fled.
A female passer-by who witnessed the robbery screamed for help. The Ram Couriers Security spotted the suspects going out through the door carrying a huge bag and jumped into a white Toyota Corolla and sped off. The security guards gave chase and a shootout ensued between security and the suspects.
Station Crime Prevention Unit members were just entering the premises parking area when they heard a gunshot. Members were informed that the white Toyota Corolla Professional which passed them, was used in the commission of robbery.
Swift response by Sector Commander, Warrant Officer Frank Mnqosini and Constable Bongumusa Nxumalo joined by Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, Detective Thaele gave chase as well as Ram Couriers Security. The chase was also joined by the community members assisting the Police to arrest the suspects.
The suspects were cornered along Langlaagte Street in the open veld near Blesbokspruit River in the Heidelberg CBD. The suspects jumped out and ran on foot but two suspects were swiftly apprehended. The remaining two suspects managed to evade arrest.
Constable Bongumusa saw the suspect jumping into the river carrying a firearm and while crossing the river, noticed the suspect disposing of the firearm in the river. The cell phones, watches and clothing, stolen during the robbery and a jammer and various other items as well as the original registration number plates were found in the car.
The Police Divers as well as an Explosive’s Dog Handler were called to the scene to retrieve the firearm from the river. The Norinco 9mm pistol with 7 live rounds of ammunition was recovered. The estimated value of the items taken during the robbery is estimated at R300 000-00.
The Station Commander, Colonel Amanda Dorothy Viljoen applauded the joint chase and successful arrest of the suspects.
The arrested suspects will appear in Heidelberg Magistrate’s Court soon.
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