By Everson Luhanga
Seven men were arrested on Tuesday afternoon after a daring jewellery shop robbery at Clearwater Mall, west of Johannesburg.
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo praised police and private security companies for arresting the gang, who had just robbed the Roodepoort jewellery shop.
Masondo said the police recovered four firearms from the suspects.
“Two police officers and three suspects were injured during the shootout. One police officer was treated at the scene, while the other officer was taken to a local medical care centre in a serious but stable condition,” he said.
Masondo said the gang stormed into the jewellery shop and held the employees at gunpoint.
“The suspects robbed the shop of a substantial amount of jewellery. As they were leaving the mall, they were intercepted by the police and private security officers.
“The suspects started shooting at the law enforcement officers, and a shootout ensued. Four suspects were cornered and arrested at Christiaan de Wet Road, just opposite the mall, and two firearms were recovered,” he said.
The police followed the other gang members to Dobsonville, where three more men were arrested, and two more firearms were recovered. Some of the jewellery taken from the shop has been recovered.
The provincial commissioner of the Gauteng SAPS, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, attributed the arrests to the collaboration between the SAPS, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and private security companies.
“These arrests should send a message to all criminals that law enforcement agencies are ready for them this festive season,” he said.
The suspects will appear in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court soon to face charges of robbery, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and possibly others.
Pictured above: The crime scene in Roodepoort.
Source: Supplied
