Cops close the net on mall heist syndicate

POLICE say the arrests of members of a large robbery syndicate operating in Soweto and surrounding areas have been a “major breakthrough”.

Now they hope to close the net on other people linked to the crimes.

According to national police Commissioner Riah Phiyega’s spokesman, Lieutenant-General Solomon Makgale, the gang has brought terror to countless residents and businesses in Diepkloof.

“They have been busy at these little malls, especially targeting supermarket stores,” he said.

Sifiso Dlomo, Phiwayinkosi Dlomo, Mfiseleni Hadebe, Zwelethu Nduli, and numerous suspected accomplices have been arrested on charges of murder, robbery, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and theft.

Dumisani Zondo and Menzi Nyembe – against whom several cases were pending – were shot dead by a security officer during a robbery at an Engen Garage in Ellis Park in August.

The men arrested are allegedly linked to crimes that in- clude the hijacking of cars in Jeppe, Springs and Moffatview over the past six months.

They also faces murder and business robbery charges relating to incidents in Cleveland, Primrose and Alberton.

The Dlomos appeared with Hadebe and Nduli in the Protea Magistrate’s Court last month and were denied bail.

They have been remanded to later this month.

During the arrests three AK-47s, an additional firearm and 97 rounds of live ammunition were seized.

Police say they are putting into action plans to curb mall robberies in the province.

The divisional commissioner of detective services, Lieutenant-General Vinesh Moonoo, said at a press conference on Thursday that 48 people had been arrested in connection with mall robberies in the past three months in Gauteng.

Gauteng police Commissioner Lesetja Mothiba said that a blitz would be launched at the beginning of next month.

This would incorporate the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign, he said.