Police trace bullet-riddled taxi, arrest 2 over Columbine Square robbery
JMPD K9 officers trace the suspected getaway vehicle to Roodepoort, leading to the arrest of two suspects linked to the shopping centre robbery.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the armed robbery at Columbine Square Shopping Centre in Mondeor that led to a shootout with police on Tuesday.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla said members of the JMPD K9 Unit arrested the suspects on Thursday after tracing a white Toyota Quantum linked to the robbery.
Johannesburg District Corporate Communication spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mpho Tshetlhane said police have opened a case of business robbery and attempted murder.
“The suspects stole several cellphones from the shop before firing shots as they fled the scene. No one was injured,” she said.
CPS Security sales director Tyrone van der Merwe confirmed that the MTN store was targeted during the robbery.
“Approximately eight armed suspects, using two vehicles, were involved in the robbery,” he said.
It is believed the suspects fled in the white Toyota Quantum, while a bakkie and a Suzuki Swift, believed to be linked to the incident, remained at the scene.
Fihla said the K9 Unit acted on information regarding the white Toyota Quantum and launched a targeted search in the Roodepoort area.
“The members successfully located the matching vehicle on Christian de Wet Road in Roodepoort. Upon stopping and inspecting the minibus taxi, officers discovered multiple bullet holes, directly linking the vehicle to the scene of the Tuesday shootout,” said Fihla.
The vehicle was occupied by two men, who were immediately arrested.
The suspects were detained at Mondeor SAPS. The driver was charged with business robbery and three counts of attempted murder relating to the shooting at police officers, while the passenger, who was found to be undocumented, was charged under the Immigration Act.
Fihla commended the officers for their tactical work and swift response, saying the arrests demonstrate the JMPD’s commitment to tracking down suspects involved in violent crimes.
Police investigations into the robbery continue.
The Southern Courier sought comment from Columbine Square Shopping Centre. The shopping centre’s response will be published once it is received.
WATCH: Roads around Columbine Square cordoned off following armed robbery and shootout
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