Five would be robbers were caught in the act and stopped in the tracks when they tried to rob a BP Filling Station in Melrose, Johannesburg on Wednesday 27 March 2019.
According to the statement by Gauteng Department of Community Safety, the suspects were arrested after law enforcement officers received information of a planned robbery at the Filling Station.
The law enforcement teams were placed in strategic positions at the filling station after information surfaced that the robbers will arrive travelling in two vehicles, namely Silver Nissan Almera and Toyota Etios. After a short while, the members were alerted that the vehicles were spotted driving with five occupants on Corlett Drive towards the direction of the BP Garage.
Gauteng Community Safety’s Ofentse Morwane
According to the statement released, when the suspects arrived at the garage two of them got out of the car and proceeded to the shop of the filling station, the police tried to apprehend them and a shoot out ensued resulting in one suspect being wounded.
All the suspects including those left inside the car we’re arrested promptly for being in possession of hijacked motor vehicles, 9mm unlicensed firearm and ammunition and consipiracy to commit an armed robbery. The Police also managed to recover hand gloves, balaclavas and cellphones which were used to commit the crime.
Gauteng Community Safety’s Ofentse Morwane
Upon investigation, the Police discovered that the Toyota Etios was stolen at Jeppe. The suspects have since been detained at Norwood Police Station while the vehicles were impounded for further investigation.
The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane has welcomed the arrest.
Crime Intelligence driven operations should continue to be the order of the day for us to to make an impact as authorities. I am confident that the Police will intesify the fight against trio crimes given the number of cases we experienced in recent times.
Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane
