Intelligence-driven operation results in four arrests

Members of Benoni Flying Squad (BFS) arrested four suspects, recovered three unlicensed firearms and one hijacked vehicle after acting on information about a potential robbery.

WO Grant Giblin, BFS communications officer, said various policing units, metro police and security companies received information from crime intelligence that a robbery would possibly occur in the Sebenza/Linbro Park area.

“At around, 11.30am, a suspicious-looking white 1-Series BMW with four occupants was spotted in Sebenza by a security vehicle,” said Giblin.

“A chase ensued, leading to a shootout between the suspects and security at Longlake Street, Sebenza, where the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into a veld.”

Giblin said Const Tso Mokobane and Const Mqwaba Nkosi, assisted by other departments, searched the veld for suspects, where they found one suspect with an injured leg.

“He was arrested and taken to hospital under police guard after being treated.” The BMW was discovered to be hijacked and connected to a Lyttleton case.

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Inside the vehicle members found a 9mm pistol with the serial numbers filed off. Officers found a signal jammer used to block cellphones or tracking equipment.

“Members did not abandon the search for the other suspects and two more were traced to Milkwood Street, Alexandra.

“They were arrested and found to be in possession of a .38 revolver with four live rounds and a 9mm pistol with five live rounds of ammunition.”

Again the serial numbers had been removed from the firearms. Giblin said a fourth suspect was traced and arrested for conspiring with the group to commit the crime.

“The officers are commended for their efforts in tracing further suspects and the recoveries of the additional unlicensed firearms.”

The suspects face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and conspiracy to commit a crime in local magistrate’s courts.

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