A significant crime breakthrough occurred in Woodmead.
A team effort between security company, Duma Tactical and the police led to the capture of three suspects who were involved in follow-home robberies and hijackings.
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Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Kay Makhubele said three suspects were caught but a fourth suspect was still on the run. “We found the suspects in possession of unlicensed firearms and they are linked to many cases whereby people have been followed from banks and then robbed of their cash.”
Robert Gibbon of the security company said, “We caught the suspects in Woodmead on 5 October midday and they were all armed. The suspects were in two separate getaway vehicles, a blue Renault Sandero and a Silver Audi A4 which were stolen cars.”
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He added that the security company used gathered intelligence to nab the criminals. “These suspects were following people from ATM machines and banks in Woodmead,” said Gibbon. “They were following them because they knew they would have cash on them. However, since this bust there has been a big decline in crimes of this nature.”
Gibbon believes that the suspects will be convicted as they were caught red-handed in possession of unlicensed firearms. “We also had eyewitness descriptions of how the suspects looked and this helped us identify them.”
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He could not confirm whether or not these suspects had killed or shot any of their victims and stressed that the investigation was ongoing. Gibbon added that the security company aimed to conduct more operations with the police and Metro police.
“It is important that we all work together because we are all public servants that need to combat crime together.”
Ward 32 councillor, Bongani Nkomo, felt proud when he heard of this team effort. He said, “We are approaching the festive season and crime is unfortunately on the rise. [It is important] to promote the growing cooperation and cohesion between the City and security companies.
“Well done to Saps Crime Intelligence, the Flying Squad and Duma Special Operations team.”
