Limpopo SAPS confirms the arrest of seven suspects for Mokopane jewellery store robbery
The Debbie Mouton Jewellers in Mokopane was robbed earlier this week.
LIMPOPO – Provincial SAPS on Friday (February 11) confirmed the arrest of seven men for a robbery that took place at Debbie Mouton Jewellers in The Crossing Mall on Wednesday (February 9).
During the robbery one man entered the store and requested to see branded watches. A second man entered a while later and indicated to the employees that he had a firearm hidden in his trousers and demanded that they open the display area. Nine watches, worth an estimated R20 000 were among the items stolen from the store.
Read more: Two men sought after jewellery store robbery in Mokopane
The suspects fled the scene in a BMW sedan.
Authorities were immediately notified and according to the police statement a joint operation which comprised members of the Limpopo Highway Patrol Unit, Mahwelereng Flying Squad, Modimolle SAPS and POPs, Bela-Bela SAPS, K9 unit, private security and tracking companies and the farm community led to the apprehension of seven men. The men were nabbed during during separate operations on Wednesday (February 9).
A statement issued by the Heritage Protection Group (HPG) revealed that four of the men were nabbed near Settlers while the remaining three were tracked and arrested on a farm in the province.
HPG’s communication officer Hendrik Hattingh said said BMW, with four occupants, was spotted outside Mokopane. ” It was later determined that another vehicle, a Toyota Hilux was involved and was also identified. Members from the SAPS and other private institutions pursued the vehicle along the N11 road where they were stopped at a road block near Settlers.”
He said the bakkie was pulled over and all four occupants were arrested.
“The BMW sped away in the opposite direction and was found abandoned at a nearby farm. HPG members were called in to assist with the search.”Â
With the assistance of SAPS, private security companies the suspects were tracked and three were arrested. A fourth man fled on foot and is still being sought, he said.
During the operations some of the stolen goods were recovered and both vehicles were seized.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court soon on charges related to business robbery.
