The two suspects detained by the police for their alleged involvement in the armed robbery at Sitos Supermarket in Reiger Park Shopping Centre have been set free.
According to the Reiger Park police, the release order came after the court decision not to place the matter on the court roll.
Police reported that the pair was arrested after three men driving in a Mazda 323 arrived at the shopping centre on February 17 and held the victim at gunpoint before taking cash and cigarettes.
The police told the Advertiser the men fled the scene, but were chased by members of the public who alerted police and one of them, the driver of the Mazda 323, was arrested next to the scene.
His alleged accomplice was arrested at his home, where he was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, the following day.
However, according to the Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson, Sgt Mashudu Phathela, when the matter was taken to the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, the court decided not to place it on the court roll, saying the evidence presented was not enough to link the suspects to the robbery.
“The possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition case was dismissed on a legal technicality. The pair was then released from the court holding cells,” explained Phathela.
The police, however, said the case is still under investigation and they are in possession of CCTV camera footage of the robbery.
Police consider the suspects flight risks who can leave the country as they are all foreign nationals, and one of them doesn’t have valid documents to be in the country.
Also Read: Two arrested after Boksburg supermarket is hit by armed robbers
