SAPS foils robbery as five are arrested in Bedfordview

Five suspects were arrested in Bedfordview yesterday.

Officers also recovered three firearms and impounded two high-performance vehicles.

Law enforcement officials were acting on information received at the time the arrests were made.

Gauteng SAPS communications officer Lt-Col Mavela Masondo, said “authorities cornered a gang on November 8 believed to be on their way to commit robbery”.

Masondo said information was received of an armed gang that had planned to commit a robbery in the Johannesburg area.

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He said a team comprising of Crime Intelligence, Ekurhuleni Central, Benoni Flying Squad, DPCI TOMS, Gauteng Traffic Police Saturation Unit, Ekurhuleni District Operations Team, Tracker Connect, Bad Boyz Security, and BSG Security worked together to intercept the suspects.

“A VW GTI Golf 5 and Toyota Hilux that matched the descriptions from the information received were spotted traveling in the direction of Bedfordview,” said Masondo.

After identifying the vehicles, both were stopped and searched by authorities.

“Three unlicensed firearms loaded with ammunition were found, together with balaclavas, reflective jackets, two-way radios, hand gloves, a grinder, and other tools,” said Masondo.

“It was revealed that the cars are fitted with false registration plates.”

Masondo said the five suspects were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and other crimes.

“One suspect is linked to a cash-in-transit robbery that occurred in July this year at a mall in Pretoria,” said Masondo

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The cars used by the suspects were impounded for further investigation.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lt-Gen Elias Mawela commended the team.

“I am so proud of this multi-disciplinary, hard-working team that continues to save the lives of innocent people that were going to be the victims of crime perpetrated by the arrested suspects,” said Mawela.

Mawela said the work performed by the joint team does not go unnoticed, especially during this time of the year.

“Criminals must know that whatever they are planning this festive season will never materialise as we have this team waiting for them,” Mawela said.

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