Johannesburg – The seven suspects arrested after a daring robbery at a jewellery store at Clearwater Mall have appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court.
The suspects were arrested after a shootout with police on Tuesday, (23 October 2024), shortly after allegedly robbing a jewellery store.
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The suspects, who appeared in court on Thursday, (24 October 2023), were named as 27-year-old Phephe Shembe, 36-year-old Thabang Dlangisa, 27-year-old Sanele Mlambo, 32-year-old Nkululeko Mzimela, 30-year-old Phumlani Thusi, 36 -year-old Nkosinathi Mthembu and 33-year-old Sihle Ngidi.
They were all charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder, possession of firearms, and malicious injury to property.
Allegations are that, on 22 October 2024, just after 14h00, the accused stormed into a jewellery store at the Clearwater Mall and pointed their guns at the shopworkers.
The robbers used hammers to break the glass cabinets that displayed various jewellery items.
The robbers forced the shopworkers to open a safe and stole more jewellery.
Upon exiting the mall building they were met by the police and security personnel and a shootout ensued.
More police officers converged on the scene and four of the accused were arrested.
Explaining how the other three suspects were caught, Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the accused Mlambo fled in a getaway vehicle.
He was with two others.
“The police gave chase and with the help of the community, were able to apprehend three of them in Dobsonville, Soweto,” said Mjonondwane.
The case was postponed to 31 October 2024.
