Three suspects arrested after using a fake JMPD patrol car
MIDRAND – One of the suspects was injured in the hand, but none of the officers got injured.
A potentially violent robbery was thwarted yesterday (17 January) thanks to a tipoff.
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) K9 unit received a tipoff about a white 320i BMW, fitted with number plates identical to those of a white unmarked JMPD patrol car.
JMPD spokesperson, Wayne Minnaar said that it is alleged that the suspects had used this white BMW to follow victims from banks and then rob them. The three cases which had been reported, all occurred during the month of January.
“The K9 Unit officers intercepted this white BMW as the suspects were following victims in Midrand on 17 January. Then a chase ensued, and there was a shootout between officers and suspects,” said Minnaar.
Minnaar explained that the suspects lost control of the white BMW and the officers arrested three male suspects, and also recovered two illegal firearms. One of the suspects was injured in the hand, but none of the officers got injured.
“The suspects are being detained at Midrand Police Station, and will likely appear in court next week,” concluded Minnaar.
In a statement released by provincial police, Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela commended the collaboration between various law enforcement agencies for foiling a potentially violent robbery.
“Well done to all members who were involved in this successful operation from the SAPS, DPCI, Gauteng Provincial Traffic, JMPD, as well as our other partners in the fight against crime, i.e. Tracker and the Waterfall Neighbourhood Watch. This goes to show that indeed, the collaboration and sharing of resources is a winning recipe if we are serious about bringing the volumes of serious and violent crimes to reduced levels,” said Mawela
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