Faith Mazibuko, the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety has commended the Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP) officers and other law-enforcement agencies for arresting a suspect linked to murder and two cash-in transit robberies, and for foiling possible robberies on the West Rand.
The heavily armed suspect was arrested and a high-calibre AK47 rifle, 34 rifle ammunition, two empty magazines and one empty 9mm magazine were recovered on Friday afternoon, 26 March.
Read initial article here: Total of 67, mostly illegal miners arrested in Muldersdrift operation
According to Pinkie Numa, Gauteng Community Safety Department spokesperson, officers attempted to stop a white Porsche during a multi-disciplinary operation along the N12-R501 crossing next to Libanon in Westonaria.
“The driver of the white Porsche and three passengers disobeyed a lawful instruction and proceeded driving,” stated Numa.
Numa added that the Gauteng Traffic Police with other law-enforcement agencies pursued the vehicle which was heading towards the R28 to Randfontein and proceeded to Mohlakeng.
“While driving in the Mohlakeng township, the four occupants of the Porsche jumped out of the moving vehicle and while running in different directions they opened fire. A shootout ensued when officers reacted, but no injuries were sustained in the process,” stated Numa. A suspect, aged 44, was apprehended at the scene, and the other three suspects are still at large.
The apprehended suspect was later linked to cash-in-transit robberies in Evaton and Klerksdorp, a murder in Evaton, and other violent crimes in Klerksdorp.
The suspect was found with empty bags that looked like they were ready to be filled with something, Numa said.
“The search for more suspects and an investigation into the case are continuing.”
“We commend the Gauteng Traffic Police and other law-enforcement officers for apprehending this dangerous criminal, and for foiling a possible robbery in the West Rand corridor. The latest success augurs well in addressing the proliferation of illegal high-calibre firearms which are used in the commission of most crimes, especially trio crimes which continue to threaten the peace and stability of Gauteng residents,” said MEC Mazibuko.
They urge law enforcement to continue intensifying the roadblocks and stop-and-search operations in known crime hotspots, as this method has resulted in the recovery of drugs and many firearms, and the arrest of wanted criminals in recent times.
The MEC has appealed to members of the public to assist the police with information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining three suspects who are still at large.
In addition, a total of 67 suspects of which 50 were illegal immigrants were arrested during the same operation in Muldersdrift for various serious and violent crimes.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in various magistrates’ courts soon.
