A suspect in the armed robbery of a cellphone from a 13-year-old learner who was walking home from school on March 22 was arrested in Western Extension seven days later and has been positively linked to more robbery cases involving learners.
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According to Benoni SAPS spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele, a case of robbery was opened at Benoni Police Station after the child was held up and robbed of his phone by the driver of a silver VW Polo while walking home from school at about 3pm that day.
“A thorough investigation was conducted by Det Sgt Donovan Naicker, assisted by sector managers, which led to the arrest of the suspect, aged 32, on March 29 at a gambling venue in Russell Street, where the said VW Polo was also found,” she said.
“A vehicle was searched and a firearm was found hidden inside the air filter of the engine.
“The suspect was immediately arrested and detained at the Benoni SAPS.
“On April 6, an identification parade was held, where other victims pointed out the suspect, linking him to five more armed robberies, which began in November last year and continued into March.
“Investigations revealed the suspect was targeting learners between the ages of 13 and 18.”
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The suspect appeared in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on March 31 and was remanded in custody, and appeared again on April 15 for a formal bail application.
The matter was postponed to April 20.
