Police from South African Police Service and Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department arrested three suspects who are believed to be part of a syndicate that attack and rob cyclists in Gauteng. The trio were arrested soon after they allegedly robbed two cyclists in Olifantsfontein on Saturday, 18 November 2023, at approximately 07:00.
It is reported that the victims were cycling in Olifantsfontein when they were accosted by about five suspects who were driving in a white Toyota Avanza. The armed suspects robbed the victims of their bicycles, cellphones, and cash.
Police were alerted about the robbery and members of South African Police Service, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, and private security company responded swiftly.
A search for the suspects was immediately conducted in the vicinity, which led to the arrest of three suspects at about two kilometres away from where the cyclists were attacked. The trio, who are between the ages of 35 and 40, were found in possession of the two bicycles that were taken from the victims.
The suspects are also linked to another case of robbery and murder of the cyclist that happened in the same area on Saturday morning. It is reported that the father, his 18-year-old son and a 58-year-old brother-in-law were cycling in Olifantsfontein when they came across a white Toyota Avanza with five suspects. The suspects allegedly shot at the victims before robbing them of their bicycles. The brother-in-law was hit by a bullet in the upper body, and he was certified dead at the scene. A case of murder and robbery was opened for further investigation.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before Tembisa Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 20 November 2023.