Johannesburg Central Police moved in on a 34-year-old suspect in the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg on 29 May following an armed robbery at the intersection of Jeppe and Nugget streets on 26 May.
The incident occurred outside the hijacked Cape York building known for its established criminal activity. The spokesperson for the Johannesburg Central Police, Captain Xoli Mbele indicated that the incident was unrelated to the building’s daily criminal activity.
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“Police received information relating to two suspects who robbed a 33-year-old female at the corner of Jeppe and Nugget streets at about 6.30am on 26 May,” said Mbele.
“The victim was walking along those streets when she was confronted by the suspects; one of them allegedly threatened her with a knife. They allegedly took her cellphone and handbag. Inside her handbag was an ID book, bank cards as well as an expensive pair of spectacles.”
David Mavundla, an optical assistant at an optometry store in the Carlton Centre, confirmed that the value of the spectacles was R2 733.40. He also said that two suspicious men had attempted to sell a pair of spectacles to the business on 29 May.
“I immediately recognised the spectacles, since a woman had them made on 20 May and collected them on 25 May. She came back the next day [26 May] and said her handbag had been stolen along with her spectacles,” alleged Mavundla.
“After noticing it was the same spectacles the [suspects] came to the store to try and sell, I told them I would attempt to secure a buyer and requested that they come back in 30 minutes.
“I then contacted the owner and she rushed to the store to identify the spectacles.”
According to Mavundla, the suspects returned to the shop, and without recognising the victim, negotiated to sell the spectacles for R150.
Security personnel were called and the victim identified one of the suspects who was subsequently detained.
According to Mbele, the Carlton Centre security notified police, who in turn arrested one suspect and charged him with armed robbery.
“One suspect is still at large while a police investigation is under way. The suspect will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court soon.”
Details: Report any suspicious activity on the crime stop hotline on 086 001 0111
