Two men believed to be involved in at least two robberies in Brakpan last week were nabbed by members of the Benoni Flying Squad (BFS) in Brenthurst on Sunday.
The duo were arrested after BFS members responded to a call from Secure Tech Security that was following two occupants in a white Hyundai Tucson who had allegedly just committed a robbery.
“The suspects were cornered at Zeeman Street in the vehicle,” said WO Grant Giblin, communications officer for BFS.
“Members found them in possession of a toy gun as well as a handbag, clothing, and cellphones identified as allegedly being stolen from the complainants.
“The suspects were immediately arrested and the vehicle impounded.”
Brakpan SAPS spokesperson Capt Pearl van Staad confirmed the pair were arrested following the armed robbery of a couple at the corner of Boundary Road and Prince George Avenue in Brenthurst at about 10:00.
The victims told police a large white vehicle pulled up alongside them as they were walking, and a man wearing a gold chain with tattoos on his left arm got out of the car, pointed a gun at them and demanded their cellphones.
The couple handed over their cellphones and the gunman climbed back into the car and sped off.
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An investigation is underway to determine whether the arrested duo can be linked to a similar case that took place last Wednesday and saw a local married couple robbed of their expensive bicycles.
According to police reports, the husband and wife were cycling along Pienaar Street in Brenthurst, near the Springs Airfield at about 17:45, when they were struck from behind by a white bakkie with three to four occupants.
They fell off their bicycles and the occupants got out of the bakkie and demanded money and cellphones from them. The robbers took their bicycles and the couple’s house keys.
“We were shocked how fast everything happened,” the woman told the Herald.
“We were confused as to what was happening but we immediately knew we were in trouble. In shock and anger, we had to walk home but we were glad that we were alright. I do not want to get on a bicycle ever again.”
The couple usually does not cycle around Brakpan, but takes their bikes to Boksburg to ride where they feel it is safer.
The value of the stolen bicycles is over R50 000. The arrested men face charges of armed robbery and the investigation into both robberies is ongoing.
