UPDATE: 10 September 2015, 3:45pm – A 27-year-old man was arrested while his alleged accomplice was shot and wounded by a bystander after a couple was reportedly robbed of a substantial amount of cash and other valuables near Waterford Shopping Centre in Douglasdale at earlier today, according to Officer Daniel Mavimbela of Diepsloot police
Mavimbela further said, “The couple had withdrawn the cash from a bank minutes earlier. They had intended to buy a car from a local dealership.”
It is believed that the couple were followed by at least three suspects after they withdrew cash from the bank. They were pointed with firearms soon after they arrived at a parking..
Upon witnessing the alleged robbery, a bystander produced a handgun and fired shots at the suspects. One of the suspects was wounded. The suspects’ maroon Volkswagen Polo was also struck in the process. It was recovered on the scene.
UPDATE WITKOPPEN ROBBERY :COUPLE BUYING USED MV AT CENTRE ROBBED OF ZAR45K. MCDs SHARES SAME PARKING HENCE CONFUSION. pic.twitter.com/yoOfuMu1D2
— REZA (@crimeairnetwork) September 10, 2015
The other suspects fled the scene in a white BMW. They also hijacked another vehicle on Witkoppen Road, but abandoned it near Fourways.
A manhunt has been launched for the remaining suspects.
The arrested suspect will be charged with armed robbery. He is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court soon.
UPDATE 10 September 12.50
The armed robbery took place in the parking area of a shopping centre near Witkoppen Road in Douglasdale.
It is alleged that four suspects were involved.
Douglasdale CPF chairperson, Jean Berdou said the suspects followed a couple who had just withdrawn a substantial amount of cash from a bank.
Cheyenne Davis, an Emer-G-Med paramedic said the suspects allegedly approached the victims and held them at gunpoint, demanding the money.
Also read Detectives search for robbery suspects
Davis further said the suspects fled the scene in a Maroon VW Polo when they saw police and later abandoned the vehicle and are now on foot.
According to Davis, the victims have not sustained injuries. Berdou said there were no civilian casualties.
Berdou said police disabled the getaway vehicle and the some of the suspects fled on foot. The vehicle has now been impounded.
Also read ‘Polite’ suspects tie up four in Douglasdale
A substantial operation was launched which included the flying squad, police officers from across the West Rand, Douglasdale police, Douglasdale CPF Sector 1 neighbourhood watch and the Tactical Response Team.
Items from the arrested suspects have been seized.
Berdou said the suspects fled into the bushy area around Waterford Shopping Centre.
The search is still in progress at the crime scene and forensic and ballistic investigations are taking place.
More details to follow as they become available.
Berdou urged the public to be patient while investigations are underway.
Read Sandton police arrest 25 in stop-and-search operations
10 Septemer; 12.01 pm
An armed robbery has reportedly taken place in the parking area of a shopping centre on Witkoppen Road.
According to Jean Berdou, chairperson of the Douglasdale CPF, initial reports state that two to three armed suspects entered the fast food restaurant.
It is alleged that one community member was shot and wounded but is now in a stable condition.
One of the suspects was reportedly shot by police.
Paramedics are attending to the scene.
The rest of the suspects fled on foot and Gauteng flying squad, Douglasdale police and the police’s air wing are in hot pursuit of them.
Watch a video of police combing the scene for the suspects:
Berdou warned the community to stay clear of the area and the police chase as it is an active crime scene.
On the eBlockwatch Facebook group, founder Andre Snyman also confirmed the incident and advised residents cautious in the area while it is an active crime scene.
A community member said that residents should be on the lookout for one of the suspects who is on the run. He is reportedly wearing a blue striped shirt and jeans and is limping. He was allegedly shot in the leg.
Community members are urged to call 011 699 1333 if they see the suspect.
More updates to follow.
