Police foil robbery arrest 1 428 suspects in weekend blitz

More than 15 firearms were also recovered

A swift response by the police led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of three unlicensed firearms and a stolen vehicle in Alberton‚ east of Johannesburg‚ on Saturday.

Police spokesman Captain Mavela Masondo said police received information about a business robbery in progress in Van Riebeeck Street and responded immediately.

“Upon arrival at the scene‚ police noticed the vehicle driven by the suspects coming out of the business premises and they blocked it.

“The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled. Police officers gave chase and arrested two suspects, who were found in possession of unlicensed firearms.

“A preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle driven by the suspects was stolen in Moffatview‚ Johannesburg.”

Masondo said Gauteng police had also embarked on a number of intelligence-driven operations over the weekend during which more than 1 428 suspects were arrested and more than 15 firearms recovered.

Masondo said: “637 suspects were arrested in Johannesburg for crimes ranging from rape‚ house-breaking‚ possession of suspected stolen vehicle‚ possession of dagga‚ driving under the influence of alcohol and assault. 332 suspects were nabbed by the police in Tshwane for committing crimes such as business robbery‚ pointing of firearm‚ possession of dagga and driving under the influence of alcohol”.

Police from Soweto and Ekurhuleni arrested 469 suspects for attempted murder‚ fraud‚ assault‚ business robbery‚ house breaking‚ rape‚ possession of unlicensed firearms and possession of stolen motor vehicle‚ among other crimes, he said.

All the suspects would appear at different magistrates’ courts soon‚ Masondo said. –