Police in Gauteng believe they have made a breakthrough in uncovering criminal gangs posing as members of law enforcement agencies after several articles of uniform and firearms including R5 rifles were seized in various recent raids.
Five suspects were arrested in Alexandra‚ Krugersdorp and Moroka in Soweto. Two of the suspects arrested in Alexandra may be linked to several incidents of armed robberies committed in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg‚ police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said on Monday.
“Police are still profiling them in order to arrange for identification parades. The suspects were arrested after police confronted them in a suspicious vehicle. They were arrested as they were fleeing on foot. Police seized three illegal 9mm pistols‚ two R5 rifles‚ police reflector jackets‚ a blue light‚ handcuffs and cable ties‚” he said.
In another unrelated incident at Krugersdorp‚ police were alerted by a motorist who witnessed an armed robbery.
“He pointed out suspects who were fleeing from the scene. Police chased a vehicle and arrested two suspects who were found in possession of a 9mm pistol‚ Gauteng traffic reflector jackets and caps as well false vehicle number plates‚” Col Dlamini said.‚ adding that in Moroka‚ police had also stopped a suspicious vehicle and arrested a suspect who was found to be in possession of a pistol and a police bullet proof vest.
“Although these suspects may not be linked‚ there is a possibility that they are part of criminal gangs who posed as members of the law enforcement agencies. They may be responsible for several crimes including truck hijackings as well following victims who are robbed of valuable goods including jewellery. The suspects’ vehicles were also impounded for further investigations‚” Col Dlamini said.
He added that another seven illegal firearms had been seized and seven suspects arrested in Dobsonville‚ Eldorado Park‚ Loate‚ Moffat View‚ Pretoria Central and Rietgat.
“Suspects will be charged with possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. Members of the community also played a major role in the arrest of these suspects. Police hope they will continue to report suspicious vehicles and people.”
All the suspects are due to appear in various magistrates’ courts on Tuesday‚ Col Dlamini said.
Police equipment‚ uniforms and weapons seized in raids
Police in Gauteng believe they have made a breakthrough in uncovering criminal gangs posing as members of law enforcement agencies after several articles of uniform and firearms including R5 rifles were seized in various recent raids.
Five suspects were arrested in Alexandra‚ Krugersdorp and Moroka in Soweto. Two of the suspects arrested in Alexandra may be linked to several incidents of armed robberies committed in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg‚ police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said on Monday.
“Police are still profiling them in order to arrange for identification parades. The suspects were arrested after police confronted them in a suspicious vehicle. They were arrested as they were fleeing on foot. Police seized three illegal 9mm pistols‚ two R5 rifles‚ police reflector jackets‚ a blue light‚ handcuffs and cable ties‚” he said.
In another unrelated incident at Krugersdorp‚ police were alerted by a motorist who witnessed an armed robbery.
“He pointed out suspects who were fleeing from the scene. Police chased a vehicle and arrested two suspects who were found in possession of a 9mm pistol‚ Gauteng traffic reflector jackets and caps as well false vehicle number plates‚” Col Dlamini said.‚ adding that in Moroka‚ police had also stopped a suspicious vehicle and arrested a suspect who was found to be in possession of a pistol and a police bullet proof vest.
“Although these suspects may not be linked‚ there is a possibility that they are part of criminal gangs who posed as members of the law enforcement agencies. They may be responsible for several crimes including truck hijackings as well following victims who are robbed of valuable goods including jewellery. The suspects’ vehicles were also impounded for further investigations‚” Col Dlamini said.
He added that another seven illegal firearms had been seized and seven suspects arrested in Dobsonville‚ Eldorado Park‚ Loate‚ Moffat View‚ Pretoria Central and Rietgat.
“Suspects will be charged with possession of illegal firearms and ammunition. Members of the community also played a major role in the arrest of these suspects. Police hope they will continue to report suspicious vehicles and people.”
All the suspects are due to appear in various magistrates’ courts on Tuesday‚ Col Dlamini said.
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