Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini from the office of the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) said the police were investigating the possibility that the suspects may be linked to a gang involved in several cases where victims were followed from shopping malls and robbed in the driveways of their homes.
Dlamini explained, “The suspects were arrested during a high speed chase that started at the N1 North Rivonia-off ramp and ended up near Greenstone Shopping Centre on 15 July at about 2pm.”
He said the chase between the police and the suspects started when the police tried to stop them and search their vehicle. Dlamini said instead of stopping, the vehicle sped off. Dlamini said the suspects’ getaway vehicle was a black Peugot. “It has been impounded for further investigation,” added Dlamini.
Four unlicensed firearms were found inside the vehicle and the suspects were taken into custody on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms.
“Three of these suspects were previously arrested for serious and violent crimes and they are out on bail for cases of armed robbery, house robbery, hijacking of vehicle and possession of unlicenced firearm,” added Dlamini.
He also said one of the three suspects was sentenced to 45 years imprisonment after being convicted of a house robbery in Bramley. He said the fourth suspect was being profiled and suspected that he formed part of a notorious gang.
Dlamini said most of the items taken by the suspects involved expensive jewellery and money. He added that in most of the robberies, the suspects were wearing balaclavas or ski-masks and armed with firearms.
The suspects will appear at the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court soon. Dlamini said the police intend to oppose bail as the suspects are out on bail for serious crimes and may also be linked to other cases.
