Rosebank police experienced a breakthrough concerning the scourge of common robberies in the Rosebank CBD in late December.
Spokesperson for the Rosebank Police Station Sergeant Bonginkosi Mdletshe said that the suburb has been terrorised by common robberies, with cell phones being snatched from victims while they wait for an app-based taxi service or walk in the area.
“Guys come in Toyota Corollas, VW Polos, Golf GTIs and Nissan Almeras and change their registration numbers while committing the crime,” said Mdletshe.
He explained that it is a common trend for criminals, who drive to the crime scene, to drop off a man sitting in the back seat who grabs a victim’s cell phone and runs back into the vehicle, which is already in motion. The vehicle then speeds off.
Mdletshe said that on 27 December, on the corner of Bolton Road and Jan Smuts Avenue, a restaurant patron was sitting at a table with friends with their phone on the table when a suspect attempted to snatch the phone.
“The phone fell off the table as the suspect tried to grab it. He then ran towards the car and was cornered by security. The car stalled as it was trying to flee the scene and a further three suspects fled on foot in opposite directions.”
One suspect was arrested in Baker Street and the car (a VW Polo) was confiscated. The suspect has been charged with attempted common robbery.
Mdletshe said that police are trying to link the suspect and accomplices to other crimes in the CBD and urges locals with similar stories to come to the Rosebank Police Station. Community members who have been victim to a common robbery in the area using a VW Polo or who knows where the snatched cell phones are being sold are also urged to come forward or call 011 778 4741.
“We are working around the clock with security companies to bring about arrests and end this spate of crimes,” concluded Mdletshe.
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