Trio from Kwa-Thema arrested following street robbery in Brakpan

Brakpan SAPS management welcomed the arrest of three men from Kwa-Thema on Sunday and applauded members of the local crime prevention unit for the removal of an illegal firearm from the streets.

Unit members responded to a call for help along Station Road at about 15:10 where a man reported that he had just been robbed at gunpoint by three occupants of a black Corsa bakkie.

“The victim was explaining to the police members and pointing out the bakkie, which was driving off towards Lemmer Road,” said Constable Audrey Buthelezi, Brakpan SAPS Sector 1 manager and corporate communications officer.

“The crime prevention members did not waste time and immediately followed the bakkie. The suspects were stopped on Lemmer Road in Vulcania, and the members tactically approached the vehicle, ordering the occupants out because they were already told that they were armed.

“The three men from the bakkie were searched, and one was found in possession of a 9mm pistol with a filed-off serial number and a magazine loaded with three live rounds, knives, and three cellphones.

“Another was found in possession of a 9mm gas gun with an empty magazine.”

The victim arrived on the scene and positively pointed out the three suspects, and specifically identified the man with the 9mm pistol and live rounds as the one who robbed him and fired a shot. The victim’s cellphone and cash found on one of the men were returned to him.

The three men, aged 22, 32 and 33, from the Kwa-Thema Hostel, were arrested for armed robbery, possession of an illegal firearm, possession of ammunition, and contravention of the Firearms Act for possessing an object resembling a firearm.

They were detained at the Brakpan Police Station. The confiscated items, as well as the bakkie, were also booked in at the station.

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