The determination of the police in the fight against Trio Crimes has led to the arrest of three suspects just a day after the commission of an armed Robbery at a local liquor outlet.
Four men armed with pistols entered Ga-Mpusheng Bar Lounge in the early hours of the morning of 29 July 2017, threatened and robbed the owners of an undisclosed amount of cash, two pistols and pump action rifle at gun point.
Nearby community members managed to apprehend one of the suspects at the back of the Bar Lounge and burnt him beyond recognition.
The suspect was later identified and is from Ga Mashabela in Masemola Policing Area.
Soon after the report of the robbery was made to the police, a Crime Intelligence led operation comprising members from the National Intervention Unit followed up on information that resulted in the arrest this morning of the remaining three suspects in Soshanguve in Gauteng province.
Two of the arrested suspects are from Mamelodi and one is from Soshanguve and aged 32, 34, and 36 respectively.
The following items were seized during the arrest. One Taurus firearm with 8 live rounds of ammunition. The serial number has been filled off. Two Norinco firearms with two magazines and 31 live rounds of ammunition and serial numbers also filled off. One VW polo, reported stolen from Ekangala in Mounalanga this month and cash reportedly stolen from the scene at Apel.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba commended the team for the swift action in sending a clear message that the police will at all times be relentless when dealing with criminals. “The message that we are sending is that our members are at a ready position to pounce on anyone committing Trio crimes and any other crime in the province. I, however, have to warn community members to desist from taking the law into their own hands as this is also a criminal conduct,” said General Ledwaba.
The arrested suspects will appear in Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of Armed Robbery, Possession of stolen motor vehicle and Possession of illegal Arms and Ammunition.
Police investigations are continuing in regard to the stolen firearms.
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