Police recover unlicensed firearms and reportedly hijacked vehicle in a foiled robbery

Police arrested a gang of seven men that were allegedly on their way to commit robbery in one of the chain stores in Woodmead, Sandton on Tuesday, 12 October 2021. During this foiled robbery, suspects were found in possession of unlicensed firearms and a car that was reported to be hijacked in Benoni.

Crime Intelligence information about an armed gang that was going to commit robbery in Woodmead was operationalised. The Highway Patrol Flexi Squad, Highway Patrol Unit, and Johannesburg Metro Police Department K9 were strategically placed to intercept the gang.

The suspects were spotted on Northway Road in Kelvin, towards Sandton, driving in a white Hyundai H1, grey Toyota Corolla, and a Honda Jazz. Upon stopping and searching two of the cars, police found unlicensed firearms loaded with ammunition. It was established that the Toyota Corolla was fitted with false plates and Hyundai H1 was reportedly hijacked in Benoni, Ekurhuleni. Police are on the lookout for suspects driving in a Honda Jazz suspected to be carrying more firearms. The seven suspects arrested will be charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of ammunition, and possession of a hijacked vehicle, amongst other crimes.

In a separate operation, police detectives from Alexandra Police Station were conducting suspects raiding when they arrested a 50-year-old woman who was in the house where four unlicensed firearms, about 100 rounds of ammunition, and jamming devices were found.

Suspects are expected to appear at Randburg and Alexandra Magistrates’ Courts in due course.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela commended the members for the arrests and confiscations of weapons and hijacked vehicles. “I am pleased with a well-coordinated effort by Police’s Crime Intelligence and Operational Policing Units that led to a foiled robbery and the arrest of criminals involved in serious and violent crimes. Police will continue with clamping down of serious and violent crimes and proliferation of unlicensed firearms in our Province, especially as we are heading towards the festive season,” said Lieutenant General Mawela.