Four nabbed for robbing motorist
A GROUP of wood collectors have been hailed for their role in leading to the arrest of highway robbers who had allegedly attacked a motorist on the N2 near Macassar on Sunday.
The Metro Police Tactical Response Unit was alerted that a motorist, stuck on the side of the N2 near Macassar, had been robbed just after 4.30pm.
While interviewing the driver, officers were approached by people who had been chopping wood nearby who led them to the robbers’ hideout.
“The officers caught the four smoking drugs in a backyard shack in Macassar and a quick search revealed the driver’s cellphone and power bank,” said Safety and Security Mayco member JP Smith.
Officers also found 30 rounds of ammunition of various calibre firearms.
The motorist positively identified the suspects, who refused to admit what they did with her other belongings, said Smith.
“A special word of thanks to those individuals who came forward to assist the Metro Police officers in tracking down the suspects in this case. I hope that they will remain behind bars until the case against them is finalised.
“Given the ongoing challenge of safety on highways, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it turns out that these suspects are somehow linked to other incidents,” said Smith.
The four suspects, aged between 22 and 32, were detained at Macassar SAPS on charges of robbery and illegal possession of ammunition.
They joined 150 others behind bars arrested for various crimes including drunk driving, drug possession and crimen injuria.
During a joint operation with SAPS in Ocean View and Masiphumelele on Friday law enforcement officers arrested six suspects for drug dealing and possession of drugs.
A 52-year-old woman and 17-year-old were arrested for possession of 41 9mm rounds and six .38 special rounds of ammunition and a 32-year-old man was arrested for possession of a dangerous weapon.