Undercover SAPS arrest suspects wanted for terrorizing community

GAUTENG – Seven male suspects between 26 and 45 years of age were arrested by the JMPD IIOC Undercover Reaction Unit for conspiracy to commit a crime (robbery) and possession of three unlicensed firearms and ammunition in Fordsburg, Johannesburg.

Officers received a tip-off about a group of individuals planning a robbery in the Fordsburg area using a white Volkswagen Golf 7 GTi and a maroon Volkswagen Polo. Officers were deployed at strategic points in the area waiting for the suspects. Not long after the deployment, the said vehicles were identified and the takedown was initiated.

The white Volkswagen Golf 7 GTi without front and back registration numbers was intercepted. When stopped, three male occupants were found inside the vehicle. The vehicle and suspects were searched, an unlicensed 9mm pistol with the serial number filed off, a SAPS bulletproof vest, caps and badges were recovered. Whilst searching it was discovered by the officers that the driver of the vehicle is an SAPS member.

The second vehicle a maroon Volkswagen Polo was also intercepted and stopped. Four male occupants were found inside the vehicle. Two unlicensed firearms, a revolver and a 9mm pistol with the serial numbers filed off were recovered. Further scrutiny indicated that the suspects have been robbing and terrorizing the community of Fordsburg and Mayfair for a lengthy period.

All seven suspects which included five South African and two Zimbabwean nationals were detained at Johannesburg Central SAPS where a case docket has been opened for further investigation.