Provincial police arrested two alleged R80 Mabopane highway robbers on Wednesday, October 4.
This comes after the community, local CPF and taxi associations blockaded the road on Tuesday, demanding police crackdown on crime on that stretch of road and show more visibility.
In response to the march, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela mobilised extra resources to crack down on the robberies as well as increase police visibility.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said on Wednesday organised crime police conducted an operation targetting the alleged robbers.
“An officer stopped on the side of the road pretending to be relieving himself while colleagues were on surveillance.”
Nevhuhulwi said as the officer walked towards the bushes, two armed men emerged from the tunnel under the R80.
“The surveillance team swiftly reacted and pounced on the suspects,” Nevhuhulwi said.
She said in the suspects’ backpack police found two jackets and hats the men are suspected to use to change their appearance after the robberies.
It was also established that the firearms were toy guns.
She said a preliminary investigation led police to an address where they found a lady who confirmed that she bought a cellphone from one of the suspects.
“She also led the police to another woman who also allegedly bought a cellphone from the same suspect,” Nevhuhulwi added.
The two women were also arrested for possession of suspected stolen property.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon. The investigation continues.
Mawela applauded the police for their swift response and assured the public that police will continue to deal decisively with crime in the province.
“The public is encouraged to be vigilant when using the R80 road and not stop on the side of the road but rather drive to the nearest filling stations for stops and rest,” Mawela said.
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