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Robbers foiled by informant
VEREENIGING. - Credit should go to the police informant who stopped what could have evolved into a fatal situation when heavily armed robbers were foiled through transmission of intelligence
VEREENIGING. – Credit should go to the police informant who stopped what could have evolved into a fatal situation when heavily armed robbers were foiled through transmission of intelligence.
The robbers’ aim to rob a big CBD wholesaler in Vereeniging over the weekend hit a brick wall when a member of the public blew the whistle and alerted national police intelligence.
The plan was to follow shopkeepers homeward and rob them of their day’s taking.
The incident took place on the corner of Beaconsfield Avenue and Edward Street on Saturday at about 15:30.
Police spokesperson (Vereeniging Cluster) Captain Shado Mashobane said five heavily armed suspects were arrested for attempted business robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition and stolen vehicles. Among the firearms confiscated by Police was an R4 rifle, a 3mm pistol and an R5 rifle with 98 rounds of ammunition. The suspects are aged between 34 and 42. They are from Sharpeville and the kingpin is alleged to be from Vanderbijlpark.
Mashobane said national intelligence, the Vaal Flying Squad and the Vereeniging Police acted swiftly to nip the robbery in the bud.
The informant told Police that about six suspects were ready to attack shop owners. Police followed the lead. As they were about to rob the shop, the suspects were interrupted by a Police vehicle on Union Road.
Apparently the suspects were afraid to attack the business owner during busy hours, fearing that exchanging gunfire could claim innocent lives. They allegedly waited until the shop closed, not aware they were being followed by Police. Police followed two vehicles, a black Polo with four occupants and a kingpin driver in a silver Yaris. As they moved out of the busiest area, Police made a space between the suspects and the owners. Suddenly the suspects were cornered by Police. Both the suspects and their cars were searched throroughly. Due to shock, one of the suspects soiled himself. The Police noted that the registration plate of the Polo did not correspond to its disc.
It is alleged that – among the suspects – one is an employee at the Department of Health in Metsimaholo local municipality. Two are self employed. One is a former security guard.
No injuries were reported as Police acted quickly to make the arrest before the robbers made their move. The suspects appeared briefly in the Vereeniging Magistrates Court this week.
