KOMANI – Police arrested five wanted suspects aged between 27 and 43 on Tuesday, 22 June 2021 in Cradock. It is believed that the suspects headed for Cape Town in an attempt to flee the province as they are linked to a range of cases which include Armed Robbery, Kidnapping and Attempted Murder which occurred around Engcobo and Cofimvaba areas.
The arrests followed after police received information about a white VW Polo with five armed occupants headed to Cape Town. A reinforcement from Public Order Police was requested to block and intercept the suspects. As the police arrived in Cradock, the vehicle was already stopped and a firearm with ammunitions was confiscated. A case of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunitions was opened for investigation.
In a separate incident, police arrested three male suspects aged between 30 and 52 for armed Business Robbery that occurred in the shopping centre on Tuesday, 22 June 2021 at Komani.
It is alleged that over ten suspects armed with rifles robbed an undisclosed amount of money from a shop. As the police responded to the incident, a motor vehicle identified and suspected to be one used by the suspects, was spotted in the CBD area. SAPS members operationalized the information which led them to a nearby the garage where the suspects’ vehicle was stopped. Three male occupants were ordered out of the vehicle and during the search, an undisclosed amount of cash was recovered.
It was also established that the vehicle was reported stolen during a hijacking incident in Boksburg North and subsequently the suspects were detained. The cash was confiscated. A case of possession of stolen vehicle was opened against all three suspects. Police confiscated the vehicle, a firearm and a magazine with live ammunitions. The arrested suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to appear in court once they are charged.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga appreciated the work of all the forces involved in the operation as well as the community that is working very closely with the police to ensure peace and stability in the Province. General Ntshinga further warned the criminals that they will face the wrath of the law.
Source: South African Police Service