Johannesburg – Brave police officers engaged in a shootout before arresting seven suspects linked to an armed robbery at a jewellery shop in Clearwater Mall, Roodepoort.
Police also recovered guns and some of the stolen items after the shootout on Tuesday, (22 October 2024).
Narrating events leading to the arrests, police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said: “It is reported that approximately eight armed suspects stormed into a jewellery shop at Clearwater Mall 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 shootout ensued.”
Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said two police officers and three suspects were injured during the shootout.
“One police officer was treated at the scene while the other police officer was taken to a local medical care centre in a serious but stable condition,” the police spokesperson said.
“Four suspects were cornered and arrested at Christiaan Devet Road, just opposite the mall, and two firearms were recovered.
“The police followed other suspects to Dobsonville, where three more suspects were arrested and two firearms recovered.”
Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said some of the jewellery was recovered.
Gauteng police commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, attributed these arrests to the collaboration between the South African Police Service, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), and private security companies.
“I would like to thank all the law enforcement agencies who worked together to ensure that the suspects are arrested and firearms recovered soon after the commission of crime,” said Lieutenant General Mthombeni.
“These arrests should send a message to all the criminals that law enforcement agencies are ready for them this festive season.”
The arrested suspects will soon appear before Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on several charges including business robbery, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu commended the Gauteng police Commissioner, JMPD, and private security teams for their swift and coordinated response that led to the arrest of seven suspects.
“This operation, which also saw the recovery of four firearms, reflects the exceptional collaboration between the police and private security companies in combatting crime,” Minister Mchunu said.
”The swift action of all law enforcement agencies has once again shown our commitment to safeguarding our communities.
“This incident demonstrates that we are on the right path, as evidenced by the quick turnaround time in apprehending the suspects.”
Minister Mchunu added: “We extend our best wishes to the two injured police officers, and we commend their courage and sacrifice.
“Our thoughts are with them as they recover, and we wish them a speedy return to full health.”
