It was a busy weekend for the Benoni Flying Squad (BFS) with members of the unit arresting eight suspects while recovering two vehicles and two firearms.
Arrests were made from September 15 to 17.
Theft of motor vehicle
• On September 15, three suspects were arrested at Cavendish Glen Shopping Centre, Kempton Park, after the vehicle they were travelling in was flagged by community-monitored cameras.
“According to our information, the white Volkswagen Polo was flagged on September 11 after it was used by the suspects for the theft of another vehicle in Springs,” said Warrant Officer Grant Giblin, BFS spokesperson.
“The vehicle was again flagged in Kempton Park and officers were able to corner it at the shopping centre.”
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of four filed Allen keys used to break vehicle locks, two vehicle computer boxes, two ignitions, gloves and skeleton keys.
The suspects were detained at the Kempton Park Police Station.
• At 17:00 on September 16, BFS members responded to a call that a vehicle had been stolen at the John Barrable Hall.
It is alleged that while fleeing from the scene of the crime, the suspects, who were travelling in a Mazda BT50 lost control of the vehicle and collided with a tree at the corner of Great North Road and Oak Street, Northmead.
The suspects fled on foot.
“Upon arrival at the scene, BFS members found that the vehicle had been reported as stolen in Norkem Park,” said Giblin.
“Inside officers found 10 vehicle computer boxes, eight sets of vehicle keys as well as six ignitions.”
• While assisting a tracking company, officers recovered a silver Volkswagen Polo, in Makou Street, Rabie Ridge on September 17.
Following a high-speed chase, the suspects abandoned the vehicle, fleeing on foot.
“In their haste to escape they dropped two firearms, a toy gun as well as a CZ pistol with 11 live rounds of ammunition,” he said.
“The weapon belongs to the owner of the vehicle, that was hijacked earlier in the day.
Stabbing
A man was stabbed on Snake Road, on September 15 at 19:00.
According to information he was stuck on the side of the road after his vehicle had broken down.
“It is alleged that two suspects appeared from the bushes and attempted to rob the stranded motorist,” said Giblin.
“In the scuffle one of the suspects stabbed the victim in the chest, but he managed to fire two shots in an attempt to ward off his attackers, who immediately fled the scene.”
The victim was transported to a local hospital and his firearm, a Smith and Wesson pistol, was recovered on the scene and booked in as evidence.
Shoplifting
Five suspects were arrested at 14:00 on September 16, after it was alleged that they had shoplifted clothing from a store at the Oakfields Shopping Centre.
According to Giblin, four suspects had fled from the centre, driving a white Renault Clio.
“With local security officers in hot pursuit the suspects lost control of the vehicle leading to an accident at the corner of Great North Road and Webb Street,” he said.
The suspects were arrested and clothing valued at R800 was recovered.
“A further search of the vehicle led to the discovery of more clothing items valued at R5 000, which was allegedly stolen from the Mall at Carnival.”
A fifth suspect was also arrested on the scene for interfering with officers’ duties and defeating the ends of justice.
The suspects were detained at Benoni SAPS.
RRS successes
Members of the Gauteng Rapid Response Services (RRS) has arrested 129 suspects, during routine operations from September 8 to 14.
Participating units included Flying Squad, K9 Units and Highway patrol that participated in concentrated operations including intensive patrols and vehicle checkpoints across the province.
During the blitz 57 arrests were made on charges of assault with the intent of causing grievous bodily harm, illegal possession of protected species, possession of vehicle break-in implements, rape, murder, outstanding warrant of arrest, possession of suspected stolen property, pointing firearm, theft, possession of illicit cigarettes, robbery, hijacking, possession of counterfeit clothes, contempt of court, intimidation, domestic violence, possession of explosives and house robbery.
Officers successfully recovered 44 hijacked and stolen vehicles accompanied by seven arrests.
A further 35 suspects were arrested on charges of being in possession of unlicensed firearms, with 23 weapons being confiscated.
Illicit substances, including heroin, dagga, cocaine, Mandrax and meth were seized and 30 people were arrested on charges of possession with the intent to sell.
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