Cops hunt 3 robbers

One suspect was arrested and an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, cellphones, cigarettes and an undisclosed amount of cash were recovered when police pounced on a gang allegedly involved in a spate of armed robberies at several filling stations in Johannesburg.

According to SA Police Service (Saps) spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters, an intelligence-driven operation was activated after filling stations in Booysens, Mondeor, Randburg, Norwood and Edenvale were this month hit by armed robbers.

“In line with the Saps’ commitment to reduce the volumes of serious and violent crime in Gauteng, a multifaceted team that includes Tracker, on Wednesday made a breakthrough in the investigation,” Peters said.

The investigation flagged the same vehicle, a white Chevrolet Cruze, which was subsequently spotted on the N12 West near the Diepkloof interchange shortly after a filling station in Edenvale was robbed.

A high-speed chase ensued and shots were reportedly fired from the Chevrolet Cruze. Police returned fire, the suspects lost control of the vehicle and drove into a ditch.

Three suspects escaped while a fourth, who was wounded, was arrested.

An inspection by Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit members confirmed the vehicle had been hijacked in April, according to a case reported in KwaZulu-Natal.

Cases of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of a hijacked vehicle, as well as possession of suspected stolen property have been opened. The firearm will be subjected to ballistic testing to establish a possible link to more armed robberies.

Police are searching for the suspects who escaped.

They have appealed to anyone who may have information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspects to call the Crime Stop number, 086-001-0111, or use the new MySaps app.

– News24 Wire