3 crucial arrests made on the N1
MIDRAND - Three previous serious offenders were arrested on the N1 on 2 February.
Lieutenant Colonel Katlego Murhale from provincial police said, “It is alleged that members of the Gauteng Flying Squad, whose offices are based in Midrand, received information of a silver Mercedes Benz that was hijacked in Kempton Park.”
The car had been hijacked earlier in the day at around 11am.
Upon further investigation it was found that the men were aged 33, 39 and 41. They had two unlicensed firearms and ammunition in the vehicle. “One suspect, at the time of arrest, was out on parole for a murder conviction and [he had another murder charge pending].” The other two suspects also have dubious pasts. One was sentenced to 15 years for an armed robbery charge. He only served two years and six months before he was released.
The third man was also previously arrested for an armed robbery charged, but the case was withdrawn. Murhale said. “It is unclear at this stage [as to why the case was withdrawn.]”
Although Murhale did not comment on the origins of the suspects, she did say they were suspected to have been on their way to commit another crime at the time of their arrest.
The unnamed source claimed that the men were on their way to Pretoria to commit an armed robbery.
The men were arrested on the Olifantsfontein off-ramp, just after being spotted on the Allandale off-ramp. According to an unnamed source, the Rapid Response unit of the Midrand police acted on a tip-off.
Their first appearance in court will be on 4 February. “The three suspects will appear at Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on possession of a suspected hijacked vehicle and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition,” said Murhale.
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