After a series of recent armed robberies, a local security company apprehended who they believe is the main suspect.

According to the director of Guardmax Protection Services, Jan Venter, at about 01:00 on September 18, their task force launched an investigation into the recent armed robberies in the Video informal settlement.

This came after their officers responded to gunshots heard in the informal settlement while patrolling along the N14 toward Krugersdorp.

“Our men saw four suspects running while they were shooting at our officers, and they retaliated. The suspects fled in various directions. Backup was called from one of our other units, which was securing and blocking off the entrance to the main road. A fifth suspect was also found hiding in the dense vegetation,” he explained.

The suspect was taken into custody, and Venter added that, upon interrogation, information was revealed about the main suspect’s whereabouts, which led them to numerous locations across the Johannesburg and West Rand areas.

“False and misleading information was provided to our team, which took us to various locations in Hillbrow and Roodepoort, but eventually, eight suspects were successfully apprehended in multiple locations.”

He added that they also confiscated numerous items, including a firearm, ammunition, suspected victims’ clothing, and break-in equipment. A white Renault sedan, believed to have been used as a getaway vehicle, was also impounded.

He continued, with the help of Muldersdrift Police and the West Rand Flying Squad, the suspects were detained at the Muldersdrift Police Station, where further investigation and interrogation took place.

“The suspects eventually confessed against each other, and the person behind the various armed robberies and alleged murders has been identified as one of the apprehended suspects and remains in police custody,” Venter concluded.