Swift response by Gauteng Serious and Violent Crimes Unit and other law enforcement agencies led to the arrest of eight courier vehicle robbery suspects

Police arrested eight suspects and recovered three unlicensed rifles and a pistol in West Rand, four stolen vehicles, and suspected stolen property soon after a courier vehicle was robbed at Rustenburg on Wednesday, 12 May 2021 at approximately 10h00. A manhunt is underway for the suspect that is still at large.

Police were notified about a robbery that had just taken place in Rustenburg and drove to the Krugersdorp area, Serious and Violent Crimes Unit members, Rapid Response Services, and other law enforcement agencies were dispatched to search for the suspects.

A Quantum, Ford Ranger, Iveco, and Lexus with an unknown number of suspects that matched the description of the suspects’ getaway cars were spotted and police attempted to stop them. The suspects sped off in different directions and a high-speed chase ensued that was followed by a shootout after suspects started firing shots at the police.

A total of six suspects were arrested in a Quantum one in an Iveco and one was arrested in a Ford Ranger while the Lexus found abandoned with a pistol inside. Upon searching the Iveco, police recovered goods that were reported stolen during an armed robbery of a courier vehicle. No one was reported injured during the shootout.

Meanwhile in Germiston today, police who were patrolling in Germiston when they noticed the suspected Quantum with eight occupants and stopped it, upon conducting a search, three unlicensed firearms were recovered and eight suspects were arrested.

The suspects will be charged with armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearm attempted murder as well as possession of the stolen property, and negligent driving. All the suspects will be profiled to determine linkages to other crimes, especially courier vehicle robberies.

The Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended the units from serious and violent crimes, Rapid Response Services (RRS) for their vigilance and swift response that led to the speedy arrest of eight suspects in West Rand and Ekurhuleni Districts.