Police nab thug who used father's car in robbery

Using his father's car during an alleged robbery with four accomplices proved not to be a smart move for a Mamelodi man.

Within three hours of the robbery of a truck delivering new cellphones in Nellmapius on Tuesday, police traced the Volkswagen Amarok to his home.

Following questioning, police arrested the 24 year old. His accomplices are still on the run.

Police Captain Jan Sepato said the information the police had led them to a house in Mamelodi, where they found the Amarok.

They gathered it belonged to the man's father, who after listening to police, confirmed his son had just returned the car.

"The old man called the son to the house and police interviewed and arrested him," Sepato said.

Upon subsequent investigation at the home, police found the stolen cellphones - "a lot of them", according to Sepato - in the boot of another car parked in the yard. Nappies allegedly stolen during the robbery were also recovered.

Sepato estimated the cellphones to be valued at more than R70000.

Adding to the man's woes, police also found a pistol and a revolver in the vehicle.

He faces charges of robbery, possession of stolen items, possession of two unlicensed firearms and ammunition and attempted murder.

An attempted murder charge relates to the shooting of the delivery truck's security guard during the robbery. Sepato said the guard suffered minor injuries and was admitted to hospital.

The young man is due to appear in court today.

Police believe the suspect is a member of a syndicate that could be linked to other cases around Tshwane.

"We are looking for any assistance from members of the public on any information about the four outstanding suspects," Sepato said.

nkosib@sowetan.co.za