Suspected robber opens false case after the arrest of his two accomplices
Pilate Dube (32) was part of the five suspects committing armed robberies around Glen Austin in Midrand.
An alleged robber, Pilate Dube (32), has been arrested for perjury and armed robbery after claiming he was hijacked by four suspects, who turned out to be his accomplices.
Dube reported that he was hijacked on the corner of Modderfontein and Dale roads in Glen Austin, Midrand, on September 27, around 18:30. He alleged that the suspects pointed a firearm at him and stole his Toyota Camry.
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According to Midrand police spokesperson and social crime prevention coordinator, Sergeant Thabiso Angelina Selowa-Kutu, two of Dube’s accomplices were later arrested in Midrand while using the same vehicle to commit an armed robbery. The remaining three suspects, including Dube, fled the scene.
“Dube, who was playing ‘victim’, then went to open a case of hijacking at the Rabie Ridge Police Station,” said Selowa-Kutu. “But the case was later referred to us because the incident occurred within our policing precinct.”
She explained that when Dube arrived at the Midrand Police Station on October 3, he found his car parked there.
Two of his accomplices, aged 20 and 21, had already been arrested for armed robbery committed with the vehicle. “Through investigations by the tracing team, it was discovered that Dube opened the hijacking case only after the two suspects were arrested. He was then arrested on the spot,” Selowa-Kutu added.
Dube appeared in the Midrand Magistrates’ Court on October 6, facing charges of perjury and armed robbery. He was remanded in custody, and his case was postponed to October 28.
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The two suspects, aged 20 and 21, had already appeared in court on September 29 for armed robbery.
They were also remanded in custody until October 6, when their case was likewise postponed to October 28.
Selowa-Kutu confirmed that two other suspects remain at large. Police are urging community members to come forward with any information regarding the duo.
Anyone with information can contact Midrand SAPS at 011 347 1600 or 071 675 6114, or call the SAPS toll-free number anonymously.
“Members are urged to refrain from misusing state resources while opening false cases,” concluded Selowa-Kutu.
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