Mall security, SAPS and EMPD act together in nabbing business robbers

Swift cooperation between Norkem SAPS and EMPD stopped a business robbery in its tracks on Sunday morning, thanks to quick-thinking security at Birch Acres Mall.

Spokesperson for Norkem Park SAPS Sgt Barbara Ferreira said an arrest of one suspect led to the search of other suspects.

Additionally, law enforcement recovered copious evidence of stolen vehicles, cellphones merchandise, stained cash and toy guns used in the commission of related crimes.

“At about 09:20 on Sunday a security officer, Mr Seimela, was on duty in the MTN store in Birch Acres Mall in Isimuku Street. He was approached by one male asking him to assist in buying a cellphone when another suspect approached him to enquire about a SIM swap. Seimela went to fetch the SIM card and the cellphone when the alleged client produced a firearm, which he pointed at the security guard.”

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Ferreira stated the suspect ordered all those in the store to move to one corner in the vicinity. At that moment, she said another three suspects entered the store.

“The other suspects, all of whom were armed, demanded expensive cellphones. The suspects took cellphones, a router, earphones and the staff members’ cellphones.”
Fortunately, Ferreira explained the mall security personnel locked the entry gates to the mall as soon as they realised a robbery was unfolding.

“When Sgt Ngwepe and Sgt Setlahbi from Norkem Park SAPS arrived on scene, the security guard informed them the suspects loaded bags into a white Polo and that the suspects are still inside the property.”

Soon the members from the Crime Prevention Unit, Const Mahlungu, Const Semenya and Const Tobojane, with members from the EMPD, arrived after backup was called to the scene.

“One suspect was arrested and the Polo was searched. Four toy guns were found in the car in addition to 23 cellphones, numerous SIM cards and the staff members’ cellphones.”
Ferreira elaborated that the arrested suspect informed attending officers the second suspect was using a grey Hyundai and that he went to Rabie Ridge SAPS to open a case of car hijacking.

“The suspect who was still at large at the time opened a case and notified the tracker company about his vehicle. He was then arrested for perjury at Rabie Ridge SAPS. The tracking company with the police recovered the car at the Rabie Ridge Police Station and police arrested the second suspect.”

With information, the members of Crime Prevention Unit and EMPD went to a third suspect’s house in Olievenhoutbosch. Stained money was found to the value of R18 900, suspected to be robbed in a CIT heist.

Three suspects between the ages of 26 and 31 were arrested for business robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms under the Imitation Act for the use of toy guns in the commission of the crime. The police are following up information on a fourth suspect, Ferreira said.

The suspects will appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on June 15. The investigation is ongoing.

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