In a daring armed robbery a few days ago, eight suspects robbed a cellphone shop at Carlswald Lifestyle Shopping Centre in Midrand. Five suspects were chased and arrested by police on Pretoria Main Road; three suspects are still on the run.
This after the Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) received information from the South African Police Service that a business robbery at Carlswald Lifestyle Shopping Centre was planned for 9 November.
Metro police spokesperson, Wayne Minnaar said, “Acting on a tip-off, Metro police’s non-uniformed officers staked out the shop and saw eight armed suspects approaching the outlet who then allegedly robbed the shop after forcing staff members into the back room.
“When JMPD officers intervened, the suspects allegedly fired shots at them and in the exchange, a JMPD officer was shot in the right leg.
“One suspect was also shot and later taken to hospital. The suspects hijacked a vehicle to make their getaway.”
Metro officers arrested them on Pretoria Main Road, however, three managed to escape and are still at large. “Five suspects were arrested and police recovered illegal firearms together with ammunition and stolen cash of R1 000.
“The five suspects are being detained at the Midrand Police Station and will face serious criminal charges of robbery and possession of illegal firearms.”
Provincial police spokesperson Kay Makhubela confirmed the cellphone store robbery and said an undisclosed amount of money was stolen. He said four firearms were recovered as well as the hijacked vehicle.
The five men arrested in connection with the Carlswald robbery made their first appearance in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on 13 November. Their case was postponed to 22 November for a formal bail application.
Cell C spokesperson, Karin Fourier said, “We are aware of the said incident that took place and we are working closely with the police. Cell C wishes to thank the police for their swift reaction in apprehending the suspects.”
Speaking on behalf of Carlswald Lifestyle Shopping Centre management, Tinstwalo, Phillipa Buckland confirmed the incident and added, “Thankfully due to the quick action of security and the Saps the suspects were arrested and no injuries were reported.”
Other reports from the Carlswald crime scene allege that one suspect was earlier seen walking around suspiciously near the shop and when a security guard approached him, he pointed a firearm at the guard.
Two community members have spoken with Midrand Reporter, requesting that only their first names be used.
Samantha recalled the shooting. “I was at the Shell garage when all the commotion began. Shots were fired and people drove by quickly, while others ran trying to hide in cars and inside the garage. Private security guards armed themselves in case the suspects came close.”
Ansu added, “We were on New and 16th roads when we saw a white minibus with people carrying guns and waving motorists off the road so they could pass. It was scary.”
In another case in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court, Warrant Officer Johannes Last, who is the investigating officer in the case involving six men accused of a plot to rob a cellphone store at Fourways Mall, revealed that he believes the Carlswald suspects and Fourways Mall robbers are part of a syndicate that targeted cellphone stores at shopping centres and malls across the province.
Last alleged that the latest arrests in Midrand positively linked the two groups as being part of the same syndicate. He claimed cellphone records and video evidence show the two groups are linked.
Last said they will make an application with the National Director of Public Prosecutions for the centralisation of the case.
Meanwhile, Johannesburg Public Safety MMC, Michael Sun, commended the quick action and joint efforts by police and Metro police. “It was because of the solid intelligence and combined effort that led to this successful bust. There is no doubt that, as the festive season approaches, the criminals would want to get busy.
“JMPD will work even more closely with Saps, other law enforcement agencies, private security companies and the communities to ensure that there will be no room for criminals to stay in our city.”
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