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East Rand Mall Jewellery Store Robbers Still at Large
The search continues for the remaining suspects involved in a business robbery at Jewellery Club, East Rand Mall, on June 18 (Father’s Day). On the same day of the robbery, Gauteng Police arrested two suspects. They recovered high-calibre firearms, ammunition, getaway cars, and explosives, bringing significant progress in apprehending the Father’s Day mall robbers. According to provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the police cannot confirm the number of suspects involved but believe them to be more than 10.
Masondo said it is alleged that about eight suspects entered the jewellery shop and held up the employees at gunpoint, seizing an undisclosed amount of jewellery. As they escaped, the suspects fired shots randomly, creating panic within the mall. Mall security and the police swiftly responded, initiating a high-speed chase as the robbers fled in their getaway cars.
The pursuit led the authorities to Alexandra, where they cornered one of the getaway cars, arresting one suspect. The captured individual cooperated with the police, leading them to two houses in Alexandra, where the second suspect was apprehended. Additionally, three other getaway cars connected to the robbery were recovered during the operation.
Preliminary investigations have unveiled crucial information about the stolen vehicles. One of the getaway cars, an Audi A4, was reportedly hijacked in Limpopo Province earlier this year, adding another layer of complexity to the case. Moreover, the suspects had two rifles, a pistol, ammunition, and explosives, including an R5 rifle, which, according to a reliable source, is exclusively distributed among SAPS members.
Also read: Two arrested for robbery at East Rand Mall
The Boksburg Advertiser sought clarification from Masondo regarding the origin of the recovered R5 rifle. However, he did not confirm whether the police had received reports of the firearm’s theft or if an officer still had it.
The arrested suspects face many charges. The charges include business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of suspected hijacked vehicles, among other crimes. The authorities will bring them before the court to answer for their alleged involvement in the Father’s Day mall robbery.
The incident has left a lasting impact on the Jewellery Club staff, as stated by Michael Ribi, the operations manager, who described the robbery as a traumatising experience. Fradene Smith, the marketing manager of East Rand Mall, commended the swift response of mall security and emphasised the management’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of shoppers.
The police are urging anyone with information that could aid the ongoing investigation or help apprehend the remaining suspects to contact the nearest police station or call the crime stop on 08600 10111. Individuals can also provide anonymous tips via the MySAPS App, which they can download on any smartphone.
The pursuit of justice continues as law enforcement authorities remain determined to apprehend all individuals involved in the Father’s Day mall robbery and bring them to face the full weight of the law.
Source: Mall robbers still at large
Also read:
Arrests Made – Five Cops and Two Civilians Accused of Robbing Joburg Businesswoman of R83,000
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