Eight alleged store robbers whose ages range from 26 to 39, are on 4 March 2021, expected to make an appearance in the Mamelodi Magistrate Court following their arrest on Tuesday, 2 March 2021 in Nellmapius, east of Tshwane.
This comes after members of Gauteng Crime Intelligence, the National Investigating Unit and the Flying Squad embarked on a joint intelligence-driven operation that saw police make a breakthrough in the investigation of a business robbery by unknown suspects, which took place at a home appliance store in Silver Lakes on 21 February 2021.
The suspects were traced to a house in Mphoa Street, Nellmapius where police tactically pounced on them and arrested a total of eight suspects.
A search at the house resulted in the recovery of footwear, tracksuits and rucksacks of a particular sporting brand, as well as two cell phones. The combined value of the confiscated suspected stolen goods is estimated at over R382 000.
Police also seized five vehicles – two Mercedes Benz, one of them a rental; a Toyota Quantum; Toyota Etios; and a Volkswagen Polo, on suspicion of having been used during the commission of the alleged business robbery.
A jamming device, a magazine, live ammunition of different firearms, as well as a pistol that has since been confirmed as stolen as per a 2020 Pretoria North SAPS case, were also seized from the scene of arrest.
Investigations by the Provincial Investigating Unit (PIU) are underway to establish a possible linkage of the suspects to more business robberies in Gauteng. The eight suspects have in the meantime been charged with possession of illegal firearm and suspected stolen property.
Gauteng Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has applauded the integrated team for the breakthrough, and urged the PIU team of investigators to work hard in building a solid case that can stand in court and secure a successful conviction.
