Two arrested for East Rand Mall robbery

GAUTENG – It is alleged that about eight suspects entered a jewellery store and held the employees at gunpoint before taking an undisclosed amount of jewellery from the shelves. Police seized hi-calibre firearms, ammunition, getaway cars, and explosives. One of the suspects was arrested when the police and the mall’s security managed to corner one of the getaway vehicles in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg.

“The suspect led the police to two houses in Alexandra, where the second suspect was arrested, and three other getaway cars were recovered,” says police spokesperson Mavela Masondo. “The suspects had two rifles, a pistol, ammunition, and explosives. Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the getaway cars, Audi A4, was reported to be hijacked in Limpopo province early this year.”

Police are searching for the remaining two suspects, as well as the stolen jewellery. “The arrested suspects will be charged with business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and possession of a suspected hijacked vehicle, amongst other crimes,” adds Masondo.