A gang of 12 armed men have been arrested after the police foiled a business robbery at a transport company in Apex Road, Benoni on April 16.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Lt-Col Mavela, police officers from Highway Patrol, Johannesburg Flying Squad and K9 proceeded to the given address after they were alerted of the robbery.
“When police arrived at the scene they were met with gunshots from about twelve armed men. A shootout ensued and 12 suspects were arrested and five unlicensed firearms were recovered.”
Masondo said preliminary investigation suggests that about 14 armed men arrived at the transport company in a Sedan and three trucks (horses) and held security guards at gunpoint.
“ The suspects then hooked trailers that were loaded with copper. Police and private security guards arrived and intercepted the gang while at the premises,” said Masondo.
The suspects will be profiled and firearms will be taken for ballistic tests to establish if they were used for the commission of other crimes.
Meanwhile, the police said this arrest happened two days after another armed gang were arrested in Sebokeng and firearms recovered.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Elias Mawela commended the team for acting swiftly and tactically to prevent business robberies and possible loss of lives.
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