Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has mobilised extra resources to crackdown on robberies on the Mabopane highway following a blockade of the road on Tuesday by community members.

Residents had raised concerns about the high incidence of crime on that stretch of the road.

On Wednesday, a team from the Organised Crime Unit conducted an operation in the area with the aim of targeting the alleged robbers.

One of the members stopped next to the road under the pretense of relieving himself while the others were doing surveillance. As he walked towards the trees, two men emerged from the tunnel that runs under the R80 with firearms pointing at the member. The members on surveillance swiftly reacted and pounced on the suspects.

The suspects had a backpack with two jackets and two different hats suspected to be used as a change clothes after robberies. The firearms were also established to be toy guns.

A preliminary investigation led the members to an address where they found a woman who confirmed that she bought the cellphone from one of the suspects and she pointed the police to another woman who also allegedly bought a cellphone from the same suspect.

The two women were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property

Lt Gen Mawela applauded the members for their swift response and assured the public that the police will continue to deal decisively with crime in the province.

The suspects are expected to appear before court soon and police investigations continue.

The public has been encouraged to be vigilant when using that road and not to stop next to the freeway but rather drive to the nearest filling station.

Source: South African Government News Agency