Five arrested after clothing store robbery
Five suspects linked with a series of crimes ranging from fraud, armed robberies and unlawful possession of firearms and assault in the Burgersfort cluster, were arrested last Wednesday.
They were arrested soon after they committed a business robbery at Pep Store in Ohrigstad. The suspects, who are between the ages of 20 and 30 years, were nabbed a few minutes after the commission of the robbery.
During the arrest two firearms, cash, cellphones, clothing from the store and the motor vehicle, which was used in the getaway, were recovered at Praktiseer Shushumela of Mabitleng.
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“It is alleged that the four suspects, two armed with firearms, entered the store just before closing time and pretended to be looking for some clothing. While the unsuspecting staff tried to assist them, one of the suspects pulled out a firearm and ordered everyone in the storeroom to remain calm and silent while they proceeded to the manager’s office where they instructed him to give them the cash and cellphones.
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“When the suspects were busy with the robbery, one staff member, who was outside the shop, noticed what was going on and immediately contacted the Ohrigstad SAPS,” said communications officer of the station, Sgt Kholofelo Phokane.
According to Phokane, the suspects were already gone when crime prevention members responded. They drove off in a black VW Polo.
The information of the robbery was then sent to the nearby police stations to be on the lookout.
Within few minutes, the Tubatse Trio crime members spotted the vehicle on the Alverton/Penge Road. A chase ensued until the four suspects and the driver were cornered at Shushumela.
The suspects briefly appeared in Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court on January 23. Their case has been postponed to February 4. They have been remanded in custody.
