Cops have arrested three suspects linked to a spate of robberies on courier vans. Police spokesperson, Brigadier Mathapelo Peters, said a task team from the National Intervention Unit conducted an intelligence-driven operation that led to Witbank, in Mpumalanga, where three suspected courier van robbers were arrested shortly after committing an armed robbery and escaping with cargo from a courier van.
Peters said the team had earlier in the day spotted and kept close observation on a suspicious VW Polo Vivo with no registration plates in Honeydew in Johannesburg.
“As soon as the said vehicle drove off, the officers pursued it until they reached Witbank, Emalahleni. The team conducted a further investigation that led them to Platinum View Apartments. It is at this location where police observed the vehicle in question speed off and police gave chase. The suspects’ car stopped after crashing into another vehicle and three occupants were arrested,” she said.
Peters said the vehicle was searched and two firearms were recovered with serial numbers filed off, along with cellphones and routers with an estimated value of around R500 000.
She said the Polo Vivo was seized on suspicion of having been used during the commission of crime.
“The three suspects aged between 28 and 35 were swiftly linked with the armed robbery of a courier van that had taken place earlier in Witbank, while police were able to find the courier van and its driver,” she said.
Further investigations are underway to establish a possible linkage of the suspects to hijackings, other courier van robberies, and other serious and violent crimes in both Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
-IOL
In other news – Sad moments: Inside actor Menzi Ngubane’s memorial service
It was an afternoon filled with emotionally-charged tributes as those close to the late Menzi Ngubane gathered at the Assemblies Of God Sandton Church on Thursday for a memorial service fit for acting royalty.
Actors Thapelo Mokoena and Ayanda Borotho were the MCs of the day and began the programme with a moment of silence in Menzi’s honour. Learn More
