A 42-year-old male suspect was arrested by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) IIOC Undercover Reaction Unit for attempted business robbery, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in the Johannesburg CBD.
On Wednesday, 14 December 2022, whilst conducting crime prevention patrols in the Joburg CBD officers received a complaint about a male roaming around shops at Park Central Mall, claiming to be an undercover officer.
It was discovered that on Tuesday the same male was around the mall when two robberies occurred at Pie City and Fashion Salon and an attempted robbery at Chicken Licken.
Mall security firmly believed that the male is involved in the robberies and that he is working with a syndicate robbing shop around CBD.
Officers proceeded to Park Central Mall and upon their arrival, the suspect was spotted. Officers approached and asked to search him. Upon searching, a firearm was found holstered in his possession. Officers requested a permit or license to possess the firearm and he failed to produce or give a satisfactory answer as to why he had the firearm in his possession.
The suspect was arrested and detained at Johannesburg Central SAPS. A case docket has been opened for further investigation.
Issued by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department Communications Unit
